Now it is a matter of pride to us—endorsed by our conscience—that our activities in this world, particularly our dealings with you, have been absolutely above-board and sincere before God. They have not been marked by any worldly wisdom, but by the grace of God. Our letters to you have no double meaning—they mean just what you understand them to mean when you read them. We hope you will always understand these letters (as we believe you have already understood the purpose of our lives), and realise that you can be as honestly proud of us as we shall be of you on the day when Christ reveals all secrets.

‘Never complain, never explain’ is a public relations strategy associated with the British Royal family.

It may also have other applications. One day a good friend and I were talking about how in church leadership there are some ‘hits’ you end up taking, precisely because, for a number of complex reasons, you can’t explain everything. There are times you have to keep silent, realising that vindication may have to await ”the day when Christ reveals all secrets.”

But Paul’s example here shows that if there are knots of misunderstanding we are able to untie, then we should try to do so. I believe the words of Rom.14:19 are applicable, even though they apply to a different context: ” Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”