“Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.” (2 Corinthians 10:11)
The language of Paul’s letters is known for being strong. Paul expects a lot out of Christians. Service, sacrifice, duty, love, and commitment are the language of Paul’s writings. The weight of Paul’s commands affected the early Christians the same way it often affects us: isn’t this a lot to ask of a person?!
So, it often surprised the Christians when they met Paul and found him to be unassuming and gentle. He was hardly the commanding presence they had seen in his writing. Paul explains this juxtaposition – Christ’s commands are strong, but His followers are weak. To live what Paul, the other apostles, and Jesus Himself preached is to live a quiet life in all godliness. It is to turn the other cheek, pray for your friends and neighbors, and own your faults day by day. It is the unassuming life of gentle service that fulfills what Paul preached.
Hard preaching is gentle living.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites