Thursday 25th May
Read 2 Corinthians 10:9-11
“I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. 10 For some say, ‘His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.’ 11 Such people should realise that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.” (NIVUK)
There is a very old saying that ‘actions speak louder than words’. Whether that is true or not, words don’t speak at all if they are not at least matched by actions. Paul is pointing out to the Corinthians that whatever else is being said about him he has not changed character. He is not weak in person and strong on paper. He is entirely consistent.
These words are both a call to consistency of character for us and a gentle warning to those who accuse him of inconsistency. How do you go on the ‘consistency’ charge? Is it possible for others to accuse you of texting or emailing strong messages, but backing down when confronted face-to-face or asked to defend yourself? It is a harder benchmark to reach than we would like to think.
I am struck though by the note of gentleness still present throughout. Yes, there is a warning that Paul will be strong with those who would lead people astray, but even in writing these words he does not want to frighten anyone with his words. How amazing to find the tone of tough love and gentleness.
There is an old Celtic prayer that captures that hope for those entering twilight years.
“Dear Lord,
Give me a few friends
who will love me for what I am,
and keep ever burning
before my vagrant steps
the kindly light of hope…
And though I come not within sight
of the castle of my dreams,
teach me to be thankful for life,
and for time’s olden memories
that are good and sweet.
And may the evening’s twilight
find me gentle still.”
Pray that you would be found gentle at the end too.
