Was Paul an abrasive preacher or filled with compassion?

[Ferd]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

I think there is a difference in being anointed and bold and just being rude and impatient. We wouldn't be telling the truth if we didn't say we have experienced both.

I love anointed preaching and ministry when you can feel His Spirit confirming his Word and the words spoken, but when you get the rude cuts just to make a point and it falls flat - it's just not good.

I guess what I am trying to say is we can't paint Paul in a total frame as "abrasive". If we do that it gives and has given men an women the idea that they don't have to handle the sheep in any other way than as a "cowboy" and not a "shepherd".

I agree that we cant paint with too broad a brush, but that cuts both ways. being too soft leads to nothing. Pauls fights were not with sinners he was trying to win. Pauls conflicts were with others in the ministry who were acting in a way he felt was dammaging to the flock. He also didnt pull any punches when confronting sin in the church.