If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. NASB
People have a habit of criticizing others, especially when they are doing something well. Paul was facing just such criticism from Jewish Christians trying to turn the Corinthian church against him and into legalism. Paul's defense is basically this; look at the fruit of my work in your life and decide for yourself who is true and who isn't. As Luke 7:35 says, "Wisdom is vindicated by her children." We shouldn't feel the need to defend ourselves to critics if we are following the Lord's calling and our relationship with the Lord is solid. There will always be people who are convinced they know more then you and they will love to tell you so. Your job is not to make them "see the error of their ways" but to be faithful to the calling God has called you to and love them, no matter how they might abuse you. Then, the results of your work will speak for themselves. Yes, it is hard at times to do this, but Jesus knows all about that pain. Call out to Him when you experience things like this and He will give you strength and endurance to get through it.
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