Courage is telling our story, not being immune to criticism.

There will always be critics. In chapter 10, Paul writes a letter defending his ministry.  We don't know exactly what the critics were saying but we glean a few insights from Paul's comments. 

“For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.”" (v10).

Apparently, Paul's critics found discrepancy in the rebukes and commands found in Paul's letters and the more timid, humble man they found him to be in person.  But Paul was both. He wrote with the authority of God and he lived those principles but he also chose to imitate the humbleness and gentleness of Christ. “I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!—”(v1)

Even if the critics found him "weak" and even though they accused him of "walking according to the flesh (v2)", Paul knew who he represented and when to be bold.

‭‭He wanted to extend the love of Christ and develop relationship with his disciples but he also knew that he was given authority by God as a leader who couldn't sugarcoat God's truths. As he explained, he used  authority "which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you..." (v8)

Paul set a wonderful example to us of being a spiritual mentor.  He loved others and invested himself in following through with promoting spiritual growth and encouragement.  He knew that when he was away, Satan would try to destroy and cause division.  He stayed in touch, being bold when needed and risking criticism because he knew the spiritual warfare at stake. “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” (4-5)

Paul also knew whose opinion mattered. He was surrounded by those who admired and those who criticized.  He could easily have been influenced by the "critical chatter" or enticement of being "popular".  But Paul did what God told him to do and left the outcomes to God. He chose to not concern himself with the opinions of man and he warned against boasting to gain the favor of others. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” (v 17-18).

Verses to Ponder: