Boldness and Grace

Speaking with Love and Confidence

Courage in Conversation: Finding Strength in 2 Corinthians 10:1 

In 2 Corinthians 10:1, Paul’s statement—“I, Paul, am 'timid' when face to face with you, but 'bold' when away”—reveals a vulnerability that is both relatable and instructive. Paul, though a bold preacher of the gospel, experienced hesitation and a sense of intimidation when engaging in face-to-face confrontations, a sentiment many of us share in difficult situations. His candidness is a reminder that even the most devoted leaders struggle with their humanity.

William Barclay, in his commentary on 2 Corinthians, points out that Paul’s critics in Corinth accused him of being bold only when writing letters, but timid in person. However, Barclay notes that Paul’s boldness stemmed not from personal arrogance but from the confidence in his mission and trust in Christ. Barclay adds, "True Christian courage is not about never feeling fear, but about doing the right thing despite that fear." 

Balancing Boldness and Gentleness in Difficult Dialogues

Richard Foster, in his reflections on communication, emphasizes the importance of humility and love in all interactions. He warns against the dangers of rash or hasty communications, saying, "We must learn to pause and reflect before we respond, especially in the age of instant messages and emails. Our words must be seasoned with grace."

Timid Yet Bold: Paul's Example of Godly Communication

Eugene Peterson, in The Message, renders 2 Corinthians 10:1 with an emphasis on Paul's compassionate approach: "And now a personal but most urgent matter: I write in the gentle but firm spirit of Christ." Peterson's focus on gentleness aligns with Paul’s overall goal—not to tear down the Corinthians, but to build them up with firmness and love.

Matthew Henry, commenting on this passage, highlights Paul’s wisdom in choosing his approach to communication. "There is a time for boldness and a time for gentleness," Henry writes, "and Paul, knowing the Corinthians’ weaknesses, used letters to speak truth when personal confrontation might have caused more harm than good."

The wisdom you reflect on is crucial in our time, especially with how easily emotions can be misread in written communication. Sending off "cross emails" can escalate a situation and cause damage. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." In difficult conversations, whether face-to-face or through letters, the goal should always be to build up and not tear down.

Lessons from Paul’s Letters

Reflecting on Paul's example, the best course is often a combination of courage, tact, and grace—whether in person or through thoughtful written communication.

Let us Pray

Lord, give me the wisdom and grace to approach difficult conversations with humility and love. Help me to speak boldly when necessary, but always with gentleness and compassion. Guard my words, whether spoken or written, and let them be instruments of peace and understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

He Leadeth Me

Resting in His Guidance

A Reflection on God's Sovereignty and Guidance

A Deeper Look at He Leadeth Me

"He Leadeth Me" is a beloved hymn that has resonated with believers for over a century, capturing the profound essence of God's guidance and sovereignty in our lives. Written by Joseph H. Gilmore in 1862, the hymn was inspired by his reflection on Psalm 23, especially the verse, "He leadeth me beside the still waters." This hymn serves as a powerful reminder that we are never alone on our journey; God is always leading us, even when His ways are beyond our understanding.

Author: Joseph H. Gilmore

Joseph Henry Gilmore was a Baptist minister, educator, and writer. The hymn "He Leadeth Me" was composed during a Wednesday evening service in Philadelphia. Gilmore was deeply moved by the thought of God's constant guidance, and the words of the hymn seemed to flow effortlessly. Later, he realized that these simple yet profound words encapsulated a truth he had relied on throughout his life: that God is always leading us.

God’s Sovereignty

The hymn "He Leadeth Me" is a powerful declaration of God’s sovereign role in our lives. It acknowledges that while we may face challenges, uncertainties, and even moments of wandering, God is faithfully leading us. This truth is echoed in Philippians 2:13, where Paul reminds us that God is not only guiding us externally but is also at work within us, giving us both the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. This dual aspect of God’s leadership—His external guidance and His internal work within us—provides a comprehensive view of His sovereignty. We are reassured that God’s purposes will be accomplished not only through His guiding hand but also through the transformation of our hearts and wills to align with His.

God's Guidance 

God's guidance is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, beautifully captured in the hymn "He Leadeth Me." The hymn reflects the comforting truth that God, as our Shepherd, leads, provides, and restores us. Psalm 23:1-3 emphasizes this role, portraying God as the Shepherd who leads us beside still waters, restores our souls, and guides us in the paths of righteousness. This imagery not only highlights God's protective care but also His purposeful guidance in our lives, steering us toward righteousness for His name's sake. Similarly, Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to trust in God's wisdom rather than our own, ensuring that by submitting to Him, He will make our paths straight. These verses collectively remind us that God's leadership is both gentle and sure, providing us with the direction we need in every season of life.

Moreover, God's guidance is not limited to external direction but also involves His transformative work within us. Philippians 2:13 affirms that God is at work in us, giving us the desire and power to do what pleases Him. This internal guidance aligns our hearts with His will, enabling us to act according to His purposes. Isaiah 58:11 further assures us of God's constant provision and guidance, likening us to a well-watered garden under His care. John 10:27-28 reinforces the intimate relationship between God and His followers, where Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, leads His sheep, ensuring their safety and eternal security. Together, these scriptures provide a comprehensive view of God's guidance—both in leading our steps and in shaping our hearts to follow His will.

Trusting in His Leadership

The hymn calls us to deeply trust in God’s leadership. Just as a shepherd leads his sheep, God leads us through the various seasons of life. Whether we find ourselves in moments of peace or in times of trial, His guidance remains constant and sure. The peace that comes from knowing we are led by the Almighty allows us to rest in His presence, even when the path ahead is unclear.

As you meditate on "He Leadeth Me" and the accompanying scriptures, let it deepen your trust in God's sovereign will and His loving leadership. Reflect on how God is working in your life, both in guiding your steps and in shaping your heart to desire and do what pleases Him. In every season, may you find comfort in the truth that you are led by the One who knows the way and will faithfully guide you to fulfill His purposes.

Soli Deo Gloria

Blessed Assurance

Trusting in Gods Wisdom and Guidance 

Wisdom is a precious gift from God. Do you know what your God-given gifts are? Solomon was a man endowed with extraordinary wisdom from God, yet he struggled to fully submit his life to obedience to God's word. How well are you stewarding the gifts God has bestowed upon you? Are you humble enough to be transformed into a disciple of Christ (Psalm 25:9)? Christ is seeking disciples who are eager to learn and grow. James tells us that if we ask God for wisdom, He will give it to us generously (James 1:5).

When David was fleeing from Saul, fearing for his life, he wrote Psalms that continue to strengthen those going through dark times. His simple words of wisdom serve as powerful blocks of faith, building us up when we are discouraged. In Psalm 56:3, David says that when he is overwhelmed with fear, he has learned to trust in God. Do you know what God wants you to do, yet find yourself reluctant to obey? Do we often fear what others might do or say to us more than we trust in God's plan?

James encourages us to discern God's will in our lives (James 4:13-17). He reminds us that while we can make our own plans for success, none of us can predict what will happen tomorrow. Our lives are like a passing mist that disappears as quickly as it appears. Does that mean we should not make any plans? Absolutely not! We make our plans with the faith that God is in control and will direct our lives according to His will. Solomon teaches that if we turn our ears to God's word and obey His commands, we will gain insight and learn to fear God (Proverbs 2:1-5). The Bible is full of guidance for our lives. Solomon further advises that we must learn to trust God and not lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). When we acknowledge God in all our ways, He will show us the right path.

Jesus instructs us not to fear what people might do to us, but to fear God who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28). He reassures us that God is even aware when a sparrow falls to the ground and that every hair on our heads is numbered by God. For One who is aware of and values every detail of our lives, should we not have greater trust in Him? Is the Lord the Shepherd of your life (Psalm 23:1)?

Reflecting on these passages, we see a recurring theme: Trust in God. Whether seeking wisdom, making plans, or facing fears, the Bible consistently guides us to place our faith in God's wisdom and guidance. Solomon's wisdom, David's Psalms, and Jesus' teachings all point us toward a life of reliance on God's perfect will.

This blessed assurance, knowing that God is in control and cares deeply for us, should be the foundation of our faith. With God as our Shepherd, we can rest assured that He will lead us, protect us, and provide for us in every aspect of our lives. So, let us lean not on our own understanding but trust in the Lord with all our hearts, acknowledging Him in all our ways, and He will direct our paths.

This blessed assurance, knowing that God is in control and cares deeply for us, should be the foundation of our faith. With God as our Shepherd, we can rest assured that He will lead us, protect us, and provide for us in every aspect of our lives. So, let us lean not on our own understanding but trust in the Lord with all our hearts, acknowledging Him in all our ways, and He will direct our paths.