2 Corinthians 1:12-14
For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you. – 2 Corinthians 1:12
Click to read
When Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, he was deeply grieved. Some in the Corinthian church had begun to doubt him, saying he was fickle and unreliable, and some even questioned whether he was a true apostle. Faced with such criticism and misunderstanding, Paul did not retaliate with sharp words or try to win people’s approval. Instead, he simply said, “Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world with integrity and godly sincerity, not relying on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace” (v. 12).
The phrase “conducted ourselves in the world” refers to one’s way of life. Paul was not only a preacher in the pulpit but also a man of sincerity in everyday living. Whether he was teaching publicly or interacting privately, his life was consistent. His conscience bore witness that he sought to please God in all he did.
In Paul’s time, society admired those who were clever and persuasive. A good leader was expected to speak well, navigate social situations skillfully, and protect his own interests. But Paul chose a different path. He did not rely on rhetorical skill or human strategy but on the grace of God. He knew his own limits, yet he trusted that God’s grace was sufficient. Because of this dependence, he could live with simplicity and honesty, without the need to defend or disguise himself.
In verses 13–14, Paul explained that he wrote plainly and without hidden meanings, hoping the Corinthians would truly understand his heart. He did not try to appear perfect but wanted to be known as a servant who lived by grace and truth. Such transparency and sincerity flow from knowing that he was fully accepted by God. Only those who rest in God’s acceptance can stop pretending and live openly before others.
Brothers and sisters, Paul’s example reminds us that we often rely on our own “cleverness” to manage life by trying to please others, control situations, or maintain a good image, even spiritually. Yet God is not impressed by outward success. He values a sincere heart. When we live by grace, we are free to be real without pretending, without fear of others’ opinions.
God calls us, like Paul, to trust Him with childlike simplicity and let His grace shape the way we speak, act, and relate to others. We may sometimes be misunderstood or appear to lose out, but God sees, and God knows the truth of our hearts.
Reflection:
Do I rely more on my own wisdom, or on God’s grace, in my daily life and ministry? When others misunderstand me, can I still remain sincere and transparent before God and people?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your grace that frees me from depending on my own wisdom. Give me an honest and sincere heart, to live the same before others as I do before You, relying fully on Your grace in all things. May my life reveal Your truth and grace to the world. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Click to read
When Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, he was deeply grieved. Some in the Corinthian church had begun to doubt him, saying he was fickle and unreliable, and some even questioned whether he was a true apostle. Faced with such criticism and misunderstanding, Paul did not retaliate with sharp words or try to win people’s approval. Instead, he simply said, “Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world with integrity and godly sincerity, not relying on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace” (v. 12).
The phrase “conducted ourselves in the world” refers to one’s way of life. Paul was not only a preacher in the pulpit but also a man of sincerity in everyday living. Whether he was teaching publicly or interacting privately, his life was consistent. His conscience bore witness that he sought to please God in all he did.
In Paul’s time, society admired those who were clever and persuasive. A good leader was expected to speak well, navigate social situations skillfully, and protect his own interests. But Paul chose a different path. He did not rely on rhetorical skill or human strategy but on the grace of God. He knew his own limits, yet he trusted that God’s grace was sufficient. Because of this dependence, he could live with simplicity and honesty, without the need to defend or disguise himself.
In verses 13–14, Paul explained that he wrote plainly and without hidden meanings, hoping the Corinthians would truly understand his heart. He did not try to appear perfect but wanted to be known as a servant who lived by grace and truth. Such transparency and sincerity flow from knowing that he was fully accepted by God. Only those who rest in God’s acceptance can stop pretending and live openly before others.
Brothers and sisters, Paul’s example reminds us that we often rely on our own “cleverness” to manage life by trying to please others, control situations, or maintain a good image, even spiritually. Yet God is not impressed by outward success. He values a sincere heart. When we live by grace, we are free to be real without pretending, without fear of others’ opinions.
God calls us, like Paul, to trust Him with childlike simplicity and let His grace shape the way we speak, act, and relate to others. We may sometimes be misunderstood or appear to lose out, but God sees, and God knows the truth of our hearts.
Reflection:
Do I rely more on my own wisdom, or on God’s grace, in my daily life and ministry? When others misunderstand me, can I still remain sincere and transparent before God and people?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your grace that frees me from depending on my own wisdom. Give me an honest and sincere heart, to live the same before others as I do before You, relying fully on Your grace in all things. May my life reveal Your truth and grace to the world. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.