“For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” (2 Corinthians 10:10)

It’s hard to imagine that there were ever people who spoke evil of the apostle Paul, but that’s exactly what was happening. Obviously, someone should have been shutting these people down, but I don’t think people were. People that were rebellious and had bad intentions were being critical of Paul. People were critical of Jesus, and Jesus was perfect. Paul was a great leader, one of the greatest, but still people talked bad about him. People will be critical of me or of you. I’ve often wondered how those who gossiped, criticized and tried to convince others that Paul was fake felt when they got to heaven and Paul was recognized and rewarded for being who he was called to be?

Yes, there are going to be times where people disappoint us or even hurt us, but the bible does not give us license to respond with gossip or hatred. The world lives that way, but the church should not. Instead, we should respond in love, forgiveness and grace. We should think the best of others, including our leaders. The more we do this the more God will begin bringing more love, joy and grace into our own lives. So if you desire to experience more love and grace from others, begin showing more love and grace towards other today!

Sow good things into the lives of others. Love others. Encourage others. Forgive and give grace to others, then you will receive more love, more grace, and more encouragement from others.

Prayer:

Dear God, I know there have been times that I have withheld love or grace because of my attitude towards someone else. Help me to overcome that bitterness so that I can be like Christ and show love even when someone has hurt me. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Invitation:

God loves and wants only the best for His children.. if you have not accepted Jesus, or would like to take this time to reconnect with Him, Please Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries