The Teaching: Legit Level Grace | Brian Ebel
One of the most misused quotes in the past few years comes from St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is quoted as saying, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary. One problem. St. Francis never said it. The closest scholars can find to this is this quote: “No brother should preach contrary to the form and regulations of the holy Church nor unless he has been permitted by his minister … All the Friars … should preach by their deeds.” This is Paul’s point in 2:1. Paul says to “speak what is fitting for healthy teaching.” Healthy teaching or healthy doctrine shapes our values which in turn should shape our behavior. What we believe affects who we are becoming. God didn’t give us his grace to do whatever we wanted with it. He gave us his grace to be different in the world, to be free from sin and bondage, and to live counterculturally as salt and light to others.