George Whitefield was a famous evangelist in the 1700's who worked with John and Charles Wesley, the founders of the Methodist Church. He was very well known in colonial America.
His preaching was instrumental as part of the “Great Awakening” in this country in the mid 1700's. Amazingly, he preached over 18,000 sermons to nearly 10 million people in Great Britain and America.
In spite of poor health, he kept going. He famously said, “I would rather wear out than rust out.”
One day, a letter came to George Whitefield that hatefully accused him of many wrongdoings in his ministry. He wrote back a respectful, but brief reply that I really admire. He wrote, “I thank you heartily for your letter. As for what you and my other enemies are saying against me, I know worse things about myself than you will ever say about me. With love in Christ, George Whitefield.”
What a good answer. Proverbs 15:1 affirms, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
A good word for us today from George Whitefield . . . and from God’s word.
You are invited to worship at First Methodist: Sundays, 9:00 and 11:00 AM Corner of Broad and Kirkman www.fumclc.org