UNCOMMEN: RoarSample

With Truth and Grace

Here we see Paul encountering an incorrect theology as the disciples he met had not even heard of the Holy Spirit. Read Acts 19:1-10, and you’ll see that Paul asked the tough question and then responded with truth and grace. He didn’t call them names; he instructed them that they should be baptized into Jesus Christ. 

He then entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly to the people. You’ll see in verse 9 that there were stubborn unbelieving people who were speaking evil of the way. Paul pulled away from these people and took the disciples with him. Verse 10 tells us this continued for two years so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

As you can see, even though you speak the good news of Jesus boldly, there will be stubborn people. Did Paul mock them? No. Did Paul try to kill them? No. Did Paul try to shame them in front of others? No. It says, Paul pulled away and took the disciples with him. 

You may find yourself in a situation where you may need to remove yourself from stubborn people. But you still need to speak with truth and grace to those people. Not everyone you tell about Jesus is going to respond to the Holy Spirit's calling.

Whatever the case, you should witness with truth and grace. Getting into an argument will benefit no one, and you may even hinder that person from listening to the Good News the next time someone tries.

If you speak with truth, you have nothing to worry about as that is what you are called to do. If you speak with grace, then people may be open to listening to what you have to say. Even after Paul pulled away from the stubborn people, he still preached the word of Jesus for two more years in the hall. Let’s worry less about being right and a little more about being Holy. 

Uncommen Questions: 

Would you describe the way you speak to people to be full of truth and grace?

When you speak to people about Jesus, do you think they listen? Why or Why not?

Uncommen Challenge:

I challenge you to examine your communication style and make sure it’s full of God’s truth and equally full of God's grace. After all, someone told you about Jesus using both.

ROAR - I will speak with truth and grace and let God handle the rest.

Scripture Verses: Acts 19:1-10