Not So Gentle Reminder - Rev Isaac Tan

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭.

Paul reminded the Christians in Rome of his initial purpose for writing the letter. Although he couldn’t visit them at that time due to the demands of his ministry, he made it a priority to write a letter to them. He gave them a not-so-gentle reminder.

Paul began by encouraging and edifying the community of faith. Paul affirmed that they were filled with all goodness and knowledge and were able to instruct each other. Yet, he reminded them that without love, all these qualities mean nothing.

He cautioned them not to mistake their skills and competence for true character and holiness. Their ultimate goal was to be sanctified by the Holy Spirit. Paul also pointed them back to their identity in Christ, emphasising that everything they accomplished through words and deeds was done by Christ through them. Paul also reiterated that even his own salvation was the result of the Word, deeds, signs and wonders, and the power of the Spirit of God.

In today’s context, Paul’s message reminds us not to mistake external qualities for an acceptable and sanctified life. The Lord looks at our hearts and knows exactly what is there. Our identity is found in Christ and can be formed in two ways. Firstly, by making time for activities that align with our values. Secondly, by having friends we can depend on to support us and who are not afraid to speak the hard truth.

When our identity is deeply rooted in Christ, our priority becomes seeking God and His righteousness. Even though there may be different seasons in our lives, our commitment is to pursue Christ and serve Him wholeheartedly.

Our “not-so-gentle reminders” may involve having one-to-one conversations—serious heart-to-heart talks—where we can gently yet firmly remind, rebuke, correct and guide each other towards Christ-likeness.