10.12.24. Deaf Ears

2 Cor 9 Repetitive words

How often do we hear a parent repeat an instruction until the recipient blocks their ears to hear. Sometimes we fall into this trap and repeat and repeat our instructions and then wonder why someone does not respond! They have literally turned a deaf ear to our words! Paul didn’t want to fall into that trap, but it seems that he has because he notes: “But I am sending these brothers so that our boasting about you may not be empty in this case, so that you may be ready just as I kept telling them.“ [ 2 Cor 9:3]  Paul is saying, I have been broadcasting your obedience, so don’t let me down. That is a subtle warning to remind them that they were eager, but He reminded them that eagerness is only as good as one’s preparation. He is asking; are they now prepared to share their gift with the collectors? 

Lesson for us is your actions speak louder than your words and my words fall far from the mark if my listeners do not obey.