2 Timothy 2:8,9 “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained.”
Paul always insisted on ‘speaking the truth in love’ (Ephesians 4:15). Truth without love can damage people, whilst love without truth may placate but ultimately will deceive them. As we journey with Christ, we more likely face the temptation to tone down and compromise our message in the name of conflict avoidance or being ‘relevant’.
“I love him. He’s not a Christian but hopefully he’ll come to faith through me.” “I don’t feel comfortable with this approach but I’ve got to go along with it or they’ll reject me.” “God isn’t judgmental, he’s a God of love.” “Jesus wants to bless you and make you happy.” There’s some truth in the mix, but we just tone it down and it loses its cutting edge.
Peter Cartwright was an itinerant Methodist preacher in the nineteenth century. One Sunday morning, as he entered the church he was told that President Andrew Jackson was in the congregation, and was warned not to say anything offensive. When the time came, Cartwright stood in the pulpit and began: “I understand that Andrew Jackson is here. I have been requested to be guarded in my remarks. Andrew Jackson will go to hell if he doesn’t repent.” Everyone was shocked and wondered how the President would respond. After the service, President Jackson greeted Peter Cartwright warmly and said: “Sir, if I had a regiment of men like you, I could whip the world!”
Many of our brothers and sisters around the world are suffering because they are unwilling to tone down the gospel. Paul wrote the above in chains. Will you and I be ashamed today?
Lord, I confess that sometimes I am ashamed and fearful to speak up for you. Help me today to speak the truth in love, for your glory. Amen!
Leave a Reply