2 Corinthians 13:1-14
Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. – 2 Corinthians 13:11
Click to Read
As Paul reaches the end of his letter to the Corinthians, he gives a final call for them to do what is right while drawing together the themes and concerns he has carried throughout the letter.
Some in Corinth considered Paul less eloquent or impressive than other teachers. Yet he reminds them that he is the one through whom they first heard the gospel and by whose ministry their church was planted. His authority did not rest on human strength but on the gospel itself, which reflects both the weakness of the crucified Christ and the strength of God’s resurrecting power.
Paul warns that he will not spare those who persist in sin. Although he may appear weak, he will not hesitate to exercise his apostolic authority if necessary. Yet his deeper hope is that the Corinthians will repent and do what is right so that his coming to them can be gentle rather than disciplinary.
He urges them to examine and test themselves, to see whether they are truly in the faith. If Christ is in them, then Paul’s ministry is vindicated. But if they insist that Paul has failed the test, then they expose that Christ is not in them at all. Still, Paul’s sincere desire is that they stand firm in the faith, so that he will not need to assert his authority when he visits. Even if he continues to look weak in their eyes, he would gladly accept that if it means they are strong in Christ.
What about us? There are times when we, too, must lay down our rights and accept being seen as “weak” for the good of our brothers and sisters. It may mean choosing not to win an argument, offering forgiveness even when the apology is inadequate, or putting unity above personal preference in church decisions.
Let us then “be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Cor 13:11 NLT)
Reflection:
In what areas of my life might Christ be calling me to “examine myself” today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for us, and through His resurrection has given us life in Him. Forgive us for the times we think of ourselves more highly than we should. Teach us to lay down our rights and to use our freedom to build up our brothers and sisters in the church family. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Click to Read
As Paul reaches the end of his letter to the Corinthians, he gives a final call for them to do what is right while drawing together the themes and concerns he has carried throughout the letter.
Some in Corinth considered Paul less eloquent or impressive than other teachers. Yet he reminds them that he is the one through whom they first heard the gospel and by whose ministry their church was planted. His authority did not rest on human strength but on the gospel itself, which reflects both the weakness of the crucified Christ and the strength of God’s resurrecting power.
Paul warns that he will not spare those who persist in sin. Although he may appear weak, he will not hesitate to exercise his apostolic authority if necessary. Yet his deeper hope is that the Corinthians will repent and do what is right so that his coming to them can be gentle rather than disciplinary.
He urges them to examine and test themselves, to see whether they are truly in the faith. If Christ is in them, then Paul’s ministry is vindicated. But if they insist that Paul has failed the test, then they expose that Christ is not in them at all. Still, Paul’s sincere desire is that they stand firm in the faith, so that he will not need to assert his authority when he visits. Even if he continues to look weak in their eyes, he would gladly accept that if it means they are strong in Christ.
What about us? There are times when we, too, must lay down our rights and accept being seen as “weak” for the good of our brothers and sisters. It may mean choosing not to win an argument, offering forgiveness even when the apology is inadequate, or putting unity above personal preference in church decisions.
Let us then “be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Cor 13:11 NLT)
Reflection:
In what areas of my life might Christ be calling me to “examine myself” today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father God, thank You for Your Son Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for us, and through His resurrection has given us life in Him. Forgive us for the times we think of ourselves more highly than we should. Teach us to lay down our rights and to use our freedom to build up our brothers and sisters in the church family. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.