But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4
Sometimes we are too nice as Christians. In our kindness we discount the value of the truth. The church in Corinth was too tolerant of false teachers. It was frustrating to the apostle Paul to see them misled and that instead of being angry they ‘bore it beautifully’. That was a backhanded compliment. We ought to have a love for the truth and a conviction about God’s Word.
How do I respond to philosophies or teachings contrary to Christ? Can I balance firmness with kindness?
Lord, teach me to speak the truth in a loving way and leave the results to You.
