MAY 16, 2012
Courageous Conversation
Read: Galatians 2:11-21
When Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because
he was to be blamed. —Galatians 2:11
Is it possible that technological advances in communication have
left us unable to confront people properly? After all, employers
can now send layoff notices via e-mail. And people can criticize
others on Facebook and Twitter instead of talking face to face.
Perhaps it might be better to put all that aside and emulate how
Paul communicated with Peter when they had a disagreement.
Paul had to confront Peter for compromising grace (Gal. 2:11-16).
Peter had been fellowshiping with Gentiles, but when the Judaizers
arrived (who believed that sinners are saved through Jesus plus
keeping the law of Moses), Peter separated himself from the Gentiles.
He ostracized them while professing to be one with them. Seeing
this hypocrisy, Paul, in love and with passion, confronted Peter face
to face for cowering to a legalistic system that was powerless to
change lives. He vigorously reminded Peter that grace leads to
freedom from sin’s slavery and to obedience to God.
Having courageous conversations with fellow Christians can be
difficult, but they will promote purity and unity. We can carry out
our responsibility to one another to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15)
by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lord, give us courage to confront
Believers who have strayed;
And then with gentleness restore
By coming to their aid. —Sper
A well-chosen word can speak volumes.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2012
