August 20-22, 2010
Galatians 4
Pastor Tina Wehner
Have you ever had a friend to confront you on something and your first response was to ask yourself, “would I be okay with one less friend?”
In Galatians 4:14-16, the believers found themselves in a similar predicament:
“Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?”
The truth that Paul preached is what brought the saving message of Jesus Christ to the Galatians. It also led them to receive him warmly and create a sense of fellowship between them. Isn’t it ironic that truth got in the way of their relationship?
Sometimes the pressure to resist the truth is strong. In fact, the opportunity to face the truth can quickly pass and become a faint memory (at best) before we know it.
Embrace God’s truth; whether it comes from reading His Word or from a dear friend. It will help you to become more like Christ and bring His truth to others, even the ones who don’t always want to believe it.
Pastor Tina’s favorite Bible character is Jonathan due to his “intensity of authentic friendship.”
