AM I YOUR ENEMY?
Are you concerned about the impact of your words on others? At times, you may need to do a little check.
AM I YOUR ENEMY?
Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy?
Not everyone responds favorably to the truth. Unfortunately, some people will not like you because you were honest enough to tell them the truth.
Person
Although Paul was a murderer before his conversion, he developed a passion for preaching the gospel (1 Timothy 1:11-13, 1 Corinthians 9:16, Galatians 4:16). Other preachers such as John the Baptist, Peter, and Stephen were totally committed to the truth (Matthew 14:4, Acts 5:33, 7:54). These preachers were honest and sincere. They had a desire to please God, not man (Acts 5:29, Galatians 1:10).
Action
It was not Paul’s intention to become an enemy, but because of the nature of his calling, he became one (Matthew 24:9-10, 2 Timothy 3:3). Jesus wants his people to live in peace (Matthew 5:10, Romans 12:20). There is no need to be enemies because of disagreement in religious views (Acts 23:7-8). When disagreement occurs, the two opponents, not enemies, should contend for the faith once delivered (Jude 1:3, Proverbs 25:9, Acts 18:24-26).
Reason
Am I your enemy because I tell you the truth? John the Baptist was imprisoned because he told Herod that it was unlawful for him to have his brother’s wife (Matthew 14:3-4). Some of the Galatians who loved Paul were angry that he preached against their observances (Galatians 4:15-16, 9-11). He explained graphically that the Old Covenant is gone (Galatians 4:21-31).
Lesson
Some people will be angry when they hear the truth, but it is still our responsibility to preach it (2 Timothy 4:2-5). We dare not pervert the gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). We dare not add or subtract from the word (Revelation 22:18-19). It takes courage to speak the truth, knowing that some will even want to hurt you, but like Paul, we should pray for boldness (Ephesians 6:18-20).