2 Corinthians 3:1-6
And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. – 2 Corinthians 3:3
Click to read
In the journey of serving God, we often find ourselves caught up in busyness, with meetings to attend, events to plan, lessons to teach, and needs to meet. There always seems to be more to do. If we can just pause and ask, “Why am I doing all this? Who am I really serving?” Today’s passage brings us back to the heart of ministry, reminding us of where our service begins and what sustains it.
When Paul wrote this letter, he was responding to those who questioned his apostleship. Some doubted him because he did not carry formal letters of recommendation. Paul replied, “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.” (v.2) For Paul, his credibility did not rest on titles or certificates, but on the transformed lives of people whose hearts had been changed by God’s grace through his ministry. These believers were living letters, not written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God on tablets of human hearts.
The true value of ministry, then, does not lie in fame or recognition, but in the lives touched and transformed by God through our simple acts of service. What seems like a small gesture, like a visit, a lesson, or a conversation, can become the starting point of a life changed by the Spirit.
Paul goes on to say, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.” (v.5) We often feel inadequate or weary under the weight of ministry. Yet Paul reminds us that our strength does not come from ourselves, but from God who empowers us. We are merely vessels, and His grace is the true source of our ability to serve. When we feel drained or weak, we don’t need to push through by sheer willpower; instead, we return to Him, acknowledging our limits and drawing strength from His presence. Like a phone plugged back into its power source, we are renewed when we stay connected to Him.
Finally, Paul writes, “He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (v.6) Ministry is not about checking boxes or completing tasks; it is about allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. Only when the Spirit breathes life into our words and actions can they truly touch hearts and bring healing to others.
Today, wherever God has placed you to serve, take a quiet moment before Him and ask: “Who am I really doing this for?” Let us not be driven by busyness or human approval, but by the grace and calling of the Lord who invites us to partner with Him. The One who calls us is also the One who supplies every need.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for choosing me to take part in Your work. Thank You for reminding me that serving You is not about proving myself, but about revealing Your glory. I know my strength is limited, but Your grace is sufficient. May my service carry the warmth of Your love and the life of Your Spirit, so that others may truly encounter You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Click to read
In the journey of serving God, we often find ourselves caught up in busyness, with meetings to attend, events to plan, lessons to teach, and needs to meet. There always seems to be more to do. If we can just pause and ask, “Why am I doing all this? Who am I really serving?” Today’s passage brings us back to the heart of ministry, reminding us of where our service begins and what sustains it.
When Paul wrote this letter, he was responding to those who questioned his apostleship. Some doubted him because he did not carry formal letters of recommendation. Paul replied, “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.” (v.2) For Paul, his credibility did not rest on titles or certificates, but on the transformed lives of people whose hearts had been changed by God’s grace through his ministry. These believers were living letters, not written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God on tablets of human hearts.
The true value of ministry, then, does not lie in fame or recognition, but in the lives touched and transformed by God through our simple acts of service. What seems like a small gesture, like a visit, a lesson, or a conversation, can become the starting point of a life changed by the Spirit.
Paul goes on to say, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.” (v.5) We often feel inadequate or weary under the weight of ministry. Yet Paul reminds us that our strength does not come from ourselves, but from God who empowers us. We are merely vessels, and His grace is the true source of our ability to serve. When we feel drained or weak, we don’t need to push through by sheer willpower; instead, we return to Him, acknowledging our limits and drawing strength from His presence. Like a phone plugged back into its power source, we are renewed when we stay connected to Him.
Finally, Paul writes, “He has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (v.6) Ministry is not about checking boxes or completing tasks; it is about allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us. Only when the Spirit breathes life into our words and actions can they truly touch hearts and bring healing to others.
Today, wherever God has placed you to serve, take a quiet moment before Him and ask: “Who am I really doing this for?” Let us not be driven by busyness or human approval, but by the grace and calling of the Lord who invites us to partner with Him. The One who calls us is also the One who supplies every need.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for choosing me to take part in Your work. Thank You for reminding me that serving You is not about proving myself, but about revealing Your glory. I know my strength is limited, but Your grace is sufficient. May my service carry the warmth of Your love and the life of Your Spirit, so that others may truly encounter You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.