Note sull'episodio
Reading the Word, or Reading the Person?
Philippians 1:15–18
We live in a digital world now, and John's dilemma shows up differently for us — it shows up in a feed. Someone from church posts a testimony, a scripture, a milestone. And before we've even taken in what they've shared, we've already reacted to who shared it.
Here's an honest confession worth borrowing: some posts get a genuine "like," and some get a like that isn't really from a happy heart. Same platform, same gesture, very different heart behind it. The scripture being shared hasn't changed — only the eyes reading it have.
Paul faced something similar in prison. Some were preaching Christ "out of envy and rivalry," even trying to stir up trouble for him while he was chained. His response is striking: "But what does it matter?
The important thing is that in every way... Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice."(Philippians 1:18, NIV) Paul separated the message from his feelings about the messenger.
That's the same move Jesus is asking of the disciples in Luke 9 — and the same move available to us every time we scroll.
The goal isn't to stop noticing who posted something. The goal is to let the Word do its work in us regardless of who carried it.
Reflect:
Can I name one person whose posts I scroll past too quickly, and ask God to help me actually receive what they share, apart from how I feel about them?
What would it look like this week to engage the Word first, and the person second?
Prayer
Lord, when Your Word comes to me through someone I struggle with, don't let my feelings toward them rob me of what You want to say to me. Teach me to receive truth wherever it comes from.