GALATIANS 4
12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. – Galatians 4:12-20
GALATIANS 4 ON SPEAKING THE TRUTH BOLDLY
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When a believer speaks the truth shamelessly
He will encounter much resistance from the enemy
Because the word of God is the sword of the Spirit
It pierces the hearts of those who are sinning habitually
When truth is spoken boldly, it provokes a man’s whole being
Because the truth sets one free, sinners will surely resist it.
Paul addresses the Galatian believers regarding their offense against his confrontation of their sins. He reminded them how they had initially received him in Galatia, when he was so frail and sick. Acts 14:19-20 says that Paul was stoned and it was probably the reason why he was sick. He was almost unable to survive that stoning, but according to some commentaries, he miraculously survived it. Some commentaries suggested that he wasn’t really going to Galatia, but because of that stoning event, he was led to go there.
In this letter, Paul was pleading with them to emulate his faithfulness to Christ and choose the path to righteousness. He implored them not to stay offended just because he rebuked them of their sins. The truth will set them free if they repent and turn back to God.
REFLECTION
· Share an incident when speaking the truth boldly resulted in persecution.
