Respectful discipling

RESPECTFUL DISCIPLING

 

 

I have written you . . . to remind you . . .(Romans 15:15).

 

           

WHEN SOMEONE SPEAKS DOWN to you it can seem so demeaning. You feel put down. The result is often severed communication lines. Who wants to listen to someone that makes you feel emotionally assaulted?

           

The apostle Paul avoids that misstep. He did not ascend a lofty perch from which to guide the Roman believers. Rather he affirms their character (full of goodness), their understanding (complete in knowledge), and abilities (competent to instruct one another). His goal was not to compensate for their deficiencies but complement their strengths. He viewed his role as fulfilling a God-given responsibility while partnering in ministry. A potential competitive entanglement was avoided by a complimentary spirit.

           

How often has truth been buried beneath an avalanche of unintended offense? When we fail to respect those with whom we are communicating the truth of God, we can plug ears and close eyes, rather than open minds. A spirit of condescension creates unnecessary barriers to the gospel.

           

Well-meaning believers are often so intent on their witness that they leave the non-believer feeling abused by truth. Rather than guiding them into the gospel, they assail them into withdrawal. It is as the old saying goes, “you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Paul communicated truth in such a way as to not demean but add dignity to them.

 

—Harry F. Wood

 

Jesus encountered people at their point of need. With a heart like His, we are enabled to do the same.