A Spirit Of Persuasion!

In Paul’s Apostleship, he had the right to be very bold with the authority he had received from Christ. Though, like Paul, we should always boldly stand for the truth, his desire seems to have been one of not wanting to have to be harsh with others. However, if that is what was called for in his ministry, he was willing to be so bold. Though boldness has persuasive power, it seems Paul’s preference was to exercise persuasion of another sort.

Writing to the church at Corinth, Paul stated. . .
“(1) I, Paul, myself ENTREAT YOU, BY THE MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS OF CHRIST -- I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away! -- (2) I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh.” ( 2 Corinthians 10:1-2 ESV)

Apparently some felt that what Paul was in writing was not what he really was when face to face. Now, if the Corinthians followed Paul’s reasoning, they should have seen that to consider Paul a weakling in his response would be to consider Jesus in that light as well. Paul was striving to approach his Corinthian brethren in a Christ-like (i.e. Matthew 11:29-30) manner; in a spirit of MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS. However, even Jesus exercised bold actions and swift rebukes when the occasions merited them. What Paul was choosing to do here in his own defense -- when he had obviously been spoken against (vs.2) -- was to be like Christ by not reviling in return. ( 1 Peter 2:23) The exercise of such MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS is actually a sign of great strength in controlling one’s reaction to the situation. In a sense, Paul was allowing his spirit to speak for itself with the hope it would be appropriately responded to by his brethren at Corinth. Perhaps here they should have seen how Paul was exemplifying the love he had described in his first letter -- especially the characteristics of patience, kindness, and forbearance. ( 1 Corinthians 13:4 & 7)

May we also recognize the great power of a spirit of MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS in our dealings with others. Being “forbearing” instead of “overbearing” can sometimes have greater power in influencing others toward good. Let us, like Paul, strive to exercise the “MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS of Christ” as we encourage others toward right living.

Have a great day EXERCISING A CHRIST-LIKE SPIRIT IN OUR INTERACTION WITH OTHERS!
Carl

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