“Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” Paul asks the churches in Galatia.¹

No one likes correction. We like to be told we are doing well, doing right, but sometimes we need to be told what needs to be corrected. This is never fun. And how many of us get angry or mad at those who highlight our errors? It is hard not to, but Proverbs says before honor comes humility (Proverbs 15:32-33). When we humble ourselves, we can see clearer. When we silence our own flesh and listen, the Holy Spirit can teach us something of great value – such as patience, self-control, faithfulness to remain under control, gentleness in how we answer others, kindness – it allows us to see clearer the needs of others when we are not self-focused. Furthermore, Proverbs 19:22 tells us that what is desired in a man (in humankind) is kindness – not a quick whit, or wealth, or strength, but kindness.
It is about our character. Have we become angry at someone for their words? Are we refusing to humble ourselves and be the first to apologize for how we responded or treated them? Will we humble ourselves, or is God going to have to humble us?

In the book of Daniel, there is a king named Nebuchadnezzar. This is the king who had the dream that no one but Daniel could interpret; this is also the king who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the fire, who saw them standing and not being burned. He calls them out and proclaims “no other god can save this way.” Yet, as time passed, he became proudful and did not acknowledge the works and authority of God. He would not humble himself. So, God humbled him. This king became like an animal, an ox of the field eating the grass of the earth. However, when he came to see the truth and humbled himself, accepted the correction of God, God restored him (Daniel 4:28-37).

We do not want to have to fall that low. Let us learn from King Nebuchadnezzar and not let our pride get in the way of seeing (or hearing) the truth. Let us not be like the churches in Galatia who became angry, but let us humble ourselves and seek the truth.

– Charisa

1. Galatians 4:16 ↩︎