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.
A
well-chosen word can speak volumes. (RBC)
