2 Corinthians 10:1 –
Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ—though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away.
Now Paul hit something with me that I noticed throughout my life. People who dealt with me via email only, most of the time considered me an ass. I was blunt and stated what was on my mind. Although I rarely did I intend to spark someone’s ire, I often did. I am sure it has happened too many reading these thoughts, where something I say makes you think less of me. Like Paul, I am appear timid in person but am more open in my written communications. The difference between Paul and me is he appears to speak what needs to be said where I most often will remain silent.
Paul do not worry about how people respond to his teachings, he has spent time in jail for them. He walks with full confidence of his beliefs and knowledge of Christ. The question is do you have confidence to speak out for Christ? I know I don’t unless I feel comfortable with my surroundings. And this is something we must all learn from Paul. Be bold in our knowledge, but don’t be proud. Be receptive to correction so your depth and knowledge can expand in Christ.
The key is when we start sharing our knowledge we need to not be boasting of our own knowledge, but as Paul points out we should boast only of the Lord. Isn’t it funny how this pride thing keeps popping up in scripture? God does not want us to take the credit even though he uses us all the time. Look at every miracle in the Bible, it required someone to jump into God’s agenda. At the same time the miracle was never to exalt the man, but to glorify God.
So Paul many times writes boldly and gets a response God needed so he would not have to be bold when the met face to face. Also, I have found bold writing gives a person a chance to reflect and dwell on a problem verses speaking to them face to face. Often a bold comment may be taken wrong and end up blowing up, where written words can be revisited once someone calms down. Also, you can compose a response and not respond out of anger or spontaneous emotions … although texting has changed that, because how many regrets do we have after pressing “send”? Be bold and speak or write freely of God’s love!!