He could have said … but he didn’t.

In aligning our lives with that of Christ we need to continually choose different courses of actions and words. Paul did.

“There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the Lord’s people. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we – not to say anything about you – would be ashamed of having been so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭

He could have said, “You didn’t follow through on your promise.” But he chose to see them through eyes of faith not disappointment, “for I know your eagerness to help.”

What about us? How do we speak of people? 

When we know how Christ sees us despite our failings and weaknesses then the response is we step into the space given to us to grow.

He could have said, “I’m sending my team to make you comply.” But he chose softness. He would rather have their heart than their hand. “I am sending the brothers … that you may be ready, as I said you would be.”

What about us? If you are a leader, do you manipulate or even forcefully demand obedience? It’s not the heart of our Father. He could demand and enforce. He rather sends His Spirit to work in our hearts through transformation.

He could have said, “if these Macedonians, who began to give because of your commitment to give, find out you haven’t yet given, I will have egg on my face.” But actually he was equally concerned and more about them than himself. Their reputation, credibility and testimony was under threat and he desired to keep their honour intact. Christ made himself nothing for us. Christ was criticised, slandered, attacked and crucified, for us. It was never about His reputation but His life was about us.