The Tribune

By Rev Angela C Bosfield Palacious

IF you have an important thought to convey, or a word from the Lord to deliver, you want to be heard. You may choose to be direct or circuitous, as long as the point is made.

When Nathan has to approach King David about committing adultery and having the woman’s husband murdered, he tells a story about an injustice committed in order to engage the sympathy of the ruler. The story is about a rich man and a poor man, and the death of a lamb that was a family pet in the poor man’s household in order for the rich man to entertain his guests.

The King passes swift judgment, only to be told that he is the perpetrator, because he who has so many wives takes the wife of one of his own soldiers, and has the soldier deliberately killed in combat.

David confesses his crime, is offered forgiveness, but is told that the child that has been conceived will die, and murder and intrigue will be a part of his family from this time onward.

Our Lord also uses the approach of a storyteller to make his point with Simon the Pharisee.

Simon had silently objected to a prostitute anointing Jesus’ feet with oil, and was reprimanded for his own uncharitable attitude and lack of hospitality, after responding to a question put to him concerning two debtors who had their debts forgiven. By acknowledging that the one who owed the larger amount of money would be more grateful, he was challenged to consider that the woman’s display of gratitude was as a result of a love deeper than his own: “You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little” (Luke 7:46-7).

The Apostle Paul is much more direct in his criticism of Peter (Cephas) for taking a hypocritical stance on Gentile circumcision. We are told that he “opposed him to his face, because he stood self-condemned” (Gal. 2: 11) in front of the whole assembly of Jews. A lengthy explanation is given to support his position on Peter’s inconsistent behaviour, introduced by a question: “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Gal. 2:14). The theological debate is a vital one for the future of the Church’s doctrine and ministry.

“To speak the truth in love” is our mandate and this requires discernment and wisdom. Sometimes, it does require using honey to sweeten the medicine in order for it to be consumed, at other times, more direct confrontation may be appropriate. There is a method of confrontation used to assist an alcoholic or drug addict (both in serious denial) to admit the truth. The circle of caring persons and professionals provide information to prove that a problem exists.

It is much better to speak the truth in love than to do so in anger. Our concern for the well-being of other persons, our desire to please God, and our hope of being effective, all make prayer for wisdom and insight the only possible way forward in order to make the point.