"V.I.C.T.O.R.Y., THAT'S OUR CHRISTIAN BATTLE CRY!" This is the Easter tune we sang in church choir once when I was little. The tune is entirely true. In the first chapters of the 2 Corinthian letter, the theme is that we ought not be sad or discouraged because our God does not want us to be sad or have sorrow! He wants gladness for us, which makes me glad already! Our heavenly father wants us to live in joy because he has made arrangements for us to be with him forever in heaven. In the end, JESUS WINS. Therefore, we have already won!
Paul stresses comfort. In Christ, we can have comfort that our God and savior are on our side. He tells the Corinthians the truth of why he is not planning to visit them. Although he knows they will be disappointed, he shares that it is for their good, continued joy, and for their comfort.
What can we take from this?
Dwell not in the temporary.
(Once more, for emphasis...) Dwell NOT in the temporary.
These pains and struggles are not eternal. On the flip side, Paul reminds us to forgive the sinner and anyone who has caused us grief. Do not punish too harshly or fall to some bitter extreme. Display love and allow second chances if the situation fits. Reestablish your love to him. Since the sinner needs correction, just like Corinth did, there comes a time after it for love and healing. This situation can also be similar to a family member who has done you wrong. Reaffirm them and remind them of your love. Don't you love to hear that you are loved and wanted? Especially after being in the wrong? Do this sometime this week. I challenge you to remind somebody that you love them and care for them.
Chapter 2:9-11 says "9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. 10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs."
What Paul is saying here is that we are familiar with Satan's schemes. We know his game plan and Jesus Christ is triumphant. He will establish His kingdom and we can be with Him in heaven. Celebrate!!
Much love,
V
Paul stresses comfort. In Christ, we can have comfort that our God and savior are on our side. He tells the Corinthians the truth of why he is not planning to visit them. Although he knows they will be disappointed, he shares that it is for their good, continued joy, and for their comfort.
What can we take from this?
Dwell not in the temporary.
(Once more, for emphasis...) Dwell NOT in the temporary.
These pains and struggles are not eternal. On the flip side, Paul reminds us to forgive the sinner and anyone who has caused us grief. Do not punish too harshly or fall to some bitter extreme. Display love and allow second chances if the situation fits. Reestablish your love to him. Since the sinner needs correction, just like Corinth did, there comes a time after it for love and healing. This situation can also be similar to a family member who has done you wrong. Reaffirm them and remind them of your love. Don't you love to hear that you are loved and wanted? Especially after being in the wrong? Do this sometime this week. I challenge you to remind somebody that you love them and care for them.
Chapter 2:9-11 says "9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. 10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs."
What Paul is saying here is that we are familiar with Satan's schemes. We know his game plan and Jesus Christ is triumphant. He will establish His kingdom and we can be with Him in heaven. Celebrate!!
Much love,
V
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