Saint Justin, Martyr (Memorial)
They took him aside and explained to him the Way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:26)
Apollos had many gifts. He knew Scripture inside and out and was an eloquent speaker. He also cared deeply about spreading the gospel. But his knowledge of the gospel message was limited to the preaching of John the Baptist. So two more seasoned apostles, Priscilla and Aquila, took Apollos aside and filled in the gaps for him.
How often have you had to offer feedback or advice—or even correction—to someone? Perhaps it was an employee at work or a fellow parishioner. Maybe it was one of your children. Whatever your situation, Priscilla and Aquila offer a good model to follow.
For one thing, they treated Apollos with respect and dignity. They didn’t interrupt one of his sermons or rebuke him in public. And neither did they demean him in any way for his lack of clarity. They just quietly “took him aside” and helped him see where his message was missing the mark (Acts 18:26). Maybe they began by focusing on all the good he was doing before steering him in a better direction.
God wants us to be open to helping each other grow in our gifts and talents—and he wants us to be open to receiving that help from each other. “Course corrections” may not always be pleasant, but there are times when they are necessary. That’s why the way we offer input is just as important as the input itself. As St. Paul wrote, we need always to keep “a gentle spirit” about us (Galatians 6:1). We should always be careful to build up, not tear down. Remember: you don’t want to limit someone’s willingness to use their God-given talents; you just want to help those talents continue to flourish and bear fruit.
You never know the profound effect your words may have on someone. Just look at Apollos: he went on to give “great assistance” to new believers everywhere (Acts 18:27)!
“Jesus, teach me how to give—and receive—feedback in a spirit of humility and gentleness.”
Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10
John 16:23-28
