Acts 18: 25– This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. (KJV)
Customers recognized the overload and patiently waited their turn. The restaurant staff struggled to keep up. Suddenly, a voice boomed loudly over clattering china, conversation, and silverware. “Do you think you could POSSIBLY work a little harder?”The air filled with silence. Forks stalled in mid-air. Footsteps stilled. The supervisor scurried to the kitchen, suddenly aware that her rudeness, not her staff’s capability, was now the object of every discussion.
Acts 18:26b– when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them and expounded the way of God more perfectly. (KJV)
Apollos only had half the truth, but Aquila and Priscilla didn’t make a public display. Instead, they took him aside and gently explained the truth. Our criticisms may be accurate, but are they worth public correction and humiliation for another? Oh, the times I wish that I’d kept my mouth shut until I was alone with my children, a friend, and a co-worker. It’s impossible to call back the hurts we inject into unsuspecting hearts with our tongues. Today, we can take the time to think before we speak.
Prayer: Father, we have a responsibility to be like you, who always corrects privately and with great gentleness. Lord, forgive us for our big mouths. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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