English Standard Version
How do you deal with people when you know you are right? How do you approach people whom you know are wrong about something? What's your approach with people striving to create conflict?
Hard questions to answer, especially in this day and age. Paul had to deal with crafty opponents who would do anything to oppose him, sneaking in to meetings to try and catch him out. They were certain he was wrong, but Paul didn't waver from the Gospel, sticking to it in confidence. This was due to his confidence in who stood behind the Gospel -- it wasn't something he had come up with on his own, but rather he had received it from God. Because of the source of the Gospel, Paul could be both gracious and certain. Notice that James and John perceived the grace given to Paul, and then entered into fellowship with him.
All of this is centered around concern for the poor. When you see people whose primary concern is themselves or their reputation, be wary. When they are living for others, focused on the needy, then we can be more confident that their message is indeed rooted in the Gospel. To believe and adhere to the Gospel is to live for others!
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