Have I now become your enemy by telling the truth?
What has become of the goodwill you felt? For I testify that, had it been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? (verses 15, 16)
Read Galatians 4:12-20
Paul is talking to the Galatians about the relationship that they used to have. There was a time when Paul was welcomed by the Galatians with open arms, but not anymore. Paul asks: “Have I now become your enemy by telling the truth?”. Sometimes in life it is hard to hear the truth and it is hard to accept what you hear. However, it is important in all situations to listen, and to understand the full truth. Particularly when it is to get us back on the right track with God!
Despite the Galatians lack of enthusiasm, Paul was still just as inspired to get them back on the right path and to continue telling them the truth. This passage tells us that in all these things we should be zealous, but that zeal should come from good things, that we should be enthusiastic in our pursuit for Christ.
As we head into this Christmas season, it is an opportunity to reflect on the year and to look at the relationships we have with those around us. Is there an opportunity to show someone how much you appreciate them, or fix a relationship that may be broken?
Further, God will be there for us when we drift off the path. The relationship we have with God is an eternal one. If we ever begin to drift away, God seeks to bring us back.
Dear God. Thank You that You are the only truth. Please help me to seek and share Your truth with those around me. Amen.
by Catrina Leske, (a student of Concordia College, Adelaide)
