epistle opens immediately by dealing with an error that was plaguing the
churches. Many brethren were going back to the law of Moses and forsaking the
law of Christ which had freed them from the bondage of sin. Paul challenges his
readers to put away the perversions of God's Word and to reject the teachers of
these perversions (Gal. 1:6-9). It seems rather strange these people would allow
the law of Moses (which contained no forgiveness of sins) to influence their lives
once again. One might read these passages and this situation and shake his head
in disbelief. One might say, “I cannot understand that” or “I would never have
done that.” And yet there are people who are constantly going back to their
former way of life or who are allowing former circumstances or people to
influence their spiritual lives. There is no difference between these people who
rejected their salvation by returning to the law of Moses than men and women
today who reject their salvation by returning to religious indifference,
sentimentality or denominationalism. The times and people may have changed,
but man's desire to please other men has not changed! So Paul exhorts these
churches to hold to the “certified gospel of Christ” for which there is no
substitution!
In Galatians 4:16, Paul asked this question: “Am I therefore become your enemy
because I tell you the truth?” Though this question is rhetorical, let us examine
the truths that are implied in its asking.
TELLING THE TRUTH REQUIRES...
1) The responsibility of a true friend. A sincere friend will tell you the truth.
When the apostle Peter showed partiality and prejudice, Paul “withstood him to
the face, because he was to be blamed” (Gal. 2:11-14). Paul did not shirk his
responsibility to help a brother in Christ (and a fellow apostle) to overcome a
weakness. A friend will take a genuine interest in his friend's welfare and seek to
promote it. Jonathan proved to be a true friend to David (1 Samuel 18:1). A friend
will recognize that liberty is realized in telling the truth (John 8:32). How can one
profess to be a true friend if he is unwilling to express Biblical truth concerning
salvation from sins?
2) The character of a true friend. A friend will be a person of clear and fair
judgment (John 7:24). He is interested in what is right. He shows no partiality.
He will be observant, even of his own errors, so that he will have the basis to be
honest with the errors of others (Matt. 7:1-5; 2 Cor. 13:5). His prayers will be that
his friends be delivered from temptations, weaknesses and evils (Luke 22:31-32).
He finds no joy in the sins of others (Rom. 1:32).
REGARDING A FRIEND AS AN ENEMY
Why do men regard a friend as an enemy because he tells the truth?
1) Because of the nature of truth. Truth must say many things that are often
displeasing (John 8:44). But rather than dealing with the message, many people
choose to deal with the messenger. Ahab “hated” Micaiah the prophet of God
because “he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil” (1 Kings 22:8).
Truth shows no respect of persons whether princes or peasants, rich or poor
(Rom. 2:8-11). Truth sometimes must hurt in order to heal (Heb. 4:12). Though
one never wants to hurt the feelings of another person, sometimes truth does
hurt. But the hurt of truth is far better than the hurt of a sinful life.
2) Because of the nature of humans. Human nature lacks the earnest desire to be
set right in all things (Rom. 3:10-11; 5:12). Human nature is filled with pride and
envy which often hinders one in admitting and overcoming wrongs (1 Tim. 3:6;
Mark 15:10). Human beings many times have unfavorable opinions or surmise as
to the motives of the teller of truth (1 Tim. 6:3-4; 1 Thess. 2:4). It is not unusual
for people to assume the reproving brother is self-righteous, rather than
expressing concern for the wayward and lost. Human nature does not always
recognize the truth (John 1:4; 14:6). Fear, doubt, disbelief and pessimism will
often persuade one to point an accusing finger toward another when the error lies
within self. Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent (Gen. 3:10-13). Both
should have looked inwardly, not outwardly.
ADMINISTERING REPROOF
1) Knowledge is required (2 Tim. 2:15; Col. 4:6; 1 Peter 3:15). Though a person
may have good intentions, he needs to possess knowledge of the Scriptures which
is the standard of right and wrong, and, he must have accurate knowledge of
wrongs and circumstances. It is a mistake to assume a wrong on the part of an
individual without investigating the truth. Many times miscommunication or a
misunderstanding leaves a person with a wrong assumption or a faulty
accusation. Once truth has been established concerning a person by talking with
him and those involved, then God's truth of correction must be applied.
2) The instructor should present the truth to show that its authority lies within
the truth itself and not in the instructor (John 8:26; Gal. 1:11-12). It is a weak and
inaccurate position to place the authority of correction in the rebuker and not the
source of the truth -- God. Man does not speak of himself, but he is a messenger
of the Lord. His words are true and right only when they agree with the Will of
God. God's power to save is found in the Gospel (Rom. 1:16).
3) There is a proper time and place for truth to be exercised (Eccl. 3:1; Prov. 6:20).
Circumstances, situations, and people should be considered before reproving
wrong. Though well-intentioned, some brethren fail to use common sense.
Private sins may not need to be rebuked publicly (Matt. 18:15-20). Public
gatherings, such as, funerals, weddings, hospitals, etc., are not the proper
environment for a religious debate. A little tact and diplomacy may be the
difference between gaining a brother and losing him to the world.
4) There is a proper manner in which truth is to be spoken (Eph. 4:15; Gal. 6:1;
Matt. 10:16). There is never any reason to be unkind to another person. Though
men and women may stand “poles apart” on an issue or concerning a problem,
anger and hatred are always out of place.
RECEIVING REPROOF
1) By cultivating a disposition of mind which earnestly desires the truth in
whatever manner it may come to him (Acts 10:33).
2) Sometimes one is silent when he should have spoken the truth, afterwards
finds that he is the object of rebuke (Prov. 27:5).
3) By being receptive to the proper kind of rebuke, now will be able to give it
properly (Prov. 15:5,12; 17:10).
Friends, regardless of the motive or manner in which one tells us the truth, we
should be objective enough to listen to TRUTH. But may we always tell the truth
even though it may cause friends to become enemies.
