Galatians 4:12-16
12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all. 13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
12 Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all. 13 You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
Paul associated with the Galatians as a fellow brother and not one lording over them as he brought the gospel and nourished their faith in growth. Though he suffered a physical ailment, he persevered with them, and commended their acceptance of him as God’s messenger, as an example of Christ and their servant. He applauded their compassion for his physical condition, yet quickly asked them why they seemed to turn against him when he spoke God’s truth head on for them to deal with. Even now, we find times when speaking truth properly in love can have fleshy retribution in response, as none of us find it easy to accept correction when it hits home. The challenge is to take criticism and reproof as from Christ in others as demonstrated in their call by God, and not in a human sense.
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