Ever notice how easy it is to look like the bad guy when someone is in the wrong and you point it out? As you read through Paul’s short letter to the Galatian brethren, you cannot help but feel bad for him.

This letter was written by godly inspiration to help the brethren stay faithful and beware of evil influences (Gal. 1:6-9). You really get an idea of what the apostle was going through when he stated, “Have I become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16). Understand that the impact of those words are magnified when we note the attitude the brethren had towards Paul at one time. In the previous verse, the apostle said that there was a time that the brethren there would have plucked their own eyes out for him (verse 15).  

We might think that we can handle rebukes from someone that we care for. Maybe, but maybe not. Do not think that it becomes easier to accept correction from someone because you are close to them. When pointing out error, our ultimate goal should always be to do the will of God. Therefore, if we are told that we are coming up short in our service to the Lord, we should gladly accept what we are told by recognizing that it is a message from the one who we want to please (Heb. 11:6).

Contrast the reaction to the rebuke Peter gave Simon (Acts 8:20-24) and the rebuke Stephen gave to a crowd of Jews who claimed to be very religious (Acts 7:51-59). More often than not, we should be prepared for unkind words after rebuking someone. This harsh feedback often causes the person offering correction to doubt themselves, their approach, etc.

We certainly need to use good judgment when correcting others, but those who want to go to heaven will also want people to be open and honest with them. Criticism is not always an easy pill to swallow, but I pray that we do not fall victim to wanting it always sugar coated!

Chuck

Just say thank you!

As a young man many years ago, I was given a needed rebuke by a sister in the Lord. When someone did something for me, I would say things like, “Oh, you didn’t have to do that!” Or, I would try and be funny and state, “What is this? And look, I don’t have anything for you!” Although I did appreciate what was done for me, I did not know how to express it properly. Then the sister in the Lord corrected me – “Just say thank you!”

People do like to do things for others (Gal. 6:10). We understand that it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). Is it wrong for people to expect me to say thank you? Not at all. After all, I do not want to come across as ungrateful even though I inwardly feel very grateful. It is easy to overlook what is required outwardly when we are okay inwardly. However, as our Lord has taught, our attitude will show outwardly when it is first right inwardly (Matt. 23:25-27).

As a preacher, I am well aware of Paul’s example in being thankful for churches that support the preaching of the gospel. In Philippians 1:3, the apostle told the brethren that He thanked God for every remembrance of them. He also pointed out his appreciation by mentioning how they helped him financially time and again (Phil. 4:15-16). Did Paul need to do this? Yes. It was the right thing to do and showed that Paul did not take their kindness for granted.

Jesus taught this principle when He healed the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19. Jesus did not “need” the praise per se so much as those who were healed needed to be thankful. People are pleased when they hear a “thank you”, but keep in mind what it prevents. You do not want to make light of what was done or indicate that you someone “deserved” it.

Think about our relationship with the Lord. Why pray when He already knows what we will say? Why praise Him when He already knows how we feel? Let’s not take our God or our fellow man for granted. Remember – in everything give thanks (I Thess. 5:18).

                                                                                                      Chuck