Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? - Galatians 4:16
Every time I come across this question in my annual trek through God's Word, I am reminded of some difficult conversations I have had. Some of those conversations were initiated by me, but others were not. There have been plenty of times when friends had to love me enough to tell me what I needed (rather than wanted) to hear.
What is it about a word of "rebuke or correction" that is so difficult to give or receive? It appears to be a common malady that affects (at times) even the greatest of God's servants, that is a self-love that exceeds Christ-love. You see, if I love my "self" more than I love Christ, I will recoil from the obligation to speak truth as well as the opportunity to receive it. Yet, if I choose to speak (with Christ-loving humility) or listen (with the same) I effectively crucify my selfish self once again and glorify the One who continues to shape me for His greater service.
If we become an enemy of truth-telling or truth-receiving, then we risk becoming enemies of the only truth that truly frees, His.
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. - Winston Churchill
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