The
apostle Paul seemed to realize this basic need in the Corinthian believers, so
before he peppered them with firm words of discipline, he showered them with
affirmation. As their spiritual leader, Paul began his letter with thanksgiving
to God for the grace being displayed in their lives.
Once far
from God, these believers were now participating in His grace through the death
and resurrection of Christ. United with Jesus, they were drawing their
spiritual life from Him, and the fruit of this union was their spiritual growth
in godliness (1 Cor. 1:4-7). Paul deliberately and continually thanked God
for His work in the Corinthian believers’ lives. I imagine that they were
better able to bear firm criticism from Paul because of his tender affirmation.
When we
see people who are obeying God, let’s take time to affirm them and to thank God
for what He’s doing through them.
Praise
loudly—correct softly. (RBC)
