Galatians 4.15-16
“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. Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?”
When Paul first arrived in the area, the Galatians recognized his apostolic authority and received him with respect and gratitude. And this despite Paul’s physical ailment and apparent disfigurement. But because of the false teaching of the Judaizers, the Galatians were persuaded to turn away from the truth of the gospel, and now they now considered Paul a problem, an irritant … even an enemy.
The Galatians had done a complete about-face.
“Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” This is a timely, contemporary question. Many people today use only their emotions and subjective experience as the reference point for determining what to believe and how to behave, and when presented with objective truth, they become angry and belligerent. In response to truth, they become defiant.
This phenomenon is manifesting itself in our time in the political and social arguments that plague our country. When Christians speak the truth today, they are increasingly met with animosity and insult. In some liberal circles, Christians are considered the enemy. Os Guinness describes contemporary culture as having an ABC mindset: Anything But Christianity. Even radical Islam is defended with more vigor than Christianity.
Even a cursory reading of the sites, blogs, and articles reveals a growing disdain for respectful dialogue.
These are ugly times politically and socially. People are not interested in discussion and discourse as the pathway to find and follow what is true. They take a position on a social or political issue, and then vigorously defend their position and viciously attack those that oppose their position. More often than not, the other “side” reacts in similar fashion. Caught in the emotional crossfire, truth is the victim.
Do not let the hostility toward the Christian faith in our time demotivate you from sharing the gospel. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t lose heart. Honor the lordship of Christ in your heart and speak the truth of the gospel.
“In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” (2 Peter 3.15)
Whenever the opportunity arises, be a faithful ambassador of the gospel.
“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 4.2)
When it comes to sharing the gospel, we should be like Paul. Note Paul’s mindset in the following passage from Romans:
“I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1.14-16)
“I am under obligation … I am eager … I am not ashamed of the gospel.” We desperately need truth-tellers today. We need people like Paul who speak the truth of the gospel with clarity, courage, and compassion.
Be a truth-teller.
