Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.
Acts 20:26-27

The Apostle Paul spoke these words as he said his final good-byes to the Pastors in Ephesus. He had himself introduced them to Jesus, taught them the Bible, shown them by word and example how Christians should believe and live.

They all knew that he loved them. They all knew that Paul had been faithful in explaining what God’s Word had to say.

He was always kind and tender with them, constantly reminding them of God’s forgiveness, but he didn’t pull his punches when he had to say things they didn’t like to hear.

It’s not an easy balance to achieve. We slip into angry, frustrated scolding when people that we care about make bad choices. We refuse to extend God’s ready forgiveness when we suspect them of insincerity, or think they don’t deserve to be forgiven.

Too often, we fail to say what God has said, thinking that He is too severe; or we make up rules God never thought of, thinking He isn’t strict enough.

Be faithful. Let God be God; let us be faithful servants. Trust Him. He knows what He’s doing, and His Word is the truth. Stick to what He says and He will make it work.

Lord God, help me to listen to You and stick to Your Word in all the advice I give to anyone. In word and in deed let me not shrink back from what’s true. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles