Scripture
"By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.” (2 Corinthians 10:1-6)
Observation
Paul spoke into their lives about not having to be bold in guidance or correction, as he would be in calling out the people of the world, and who live in the world. He encourages the people to recognize and realize who they are in Christ and the wherewithal that they have in Christ.
Application
These scriptures speak to me metaphorically in discernment of when to listen and when to speak; when to be bold and when to speak with grace and compassion. There are times to press issues, and there are times to pause. There are times to speak out, and times to hold our tongue. In addition, Paul reminds us of taking note of the world, to remind us of who we are in Christ; thus, the call on our lives, and how then shall we live. In ministerial leadership, there is a principle of cultural sensitivity of knowing who you are speaking or ministering to, and therefore, how to proceed in grace, love, and understanding; yet be ready to step up on boldness.
Prayer
Dear Lord, please guide me in those times where you call me to be bold and speak out; as well as those times you call me to hold and wait upon you for guidance, or to listen and be still. May you give me the cultural sensitivity in those times where I need to be a listener, before I speak; and either speak with grace and love, or boldness.
