2 Corinthian 6: 2-13

“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way, by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepness nights, hunger, by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise.

We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished and yet not killed; as sorrowful yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return widen your hearts also. “

A powerful passage from Paul, written as a calling to the Corinthians to not withhold their affection…to not receive God’s affection in vain. 

It’s funny….I am blessed far beyond what I deserve, and it is only when God continually withholds something a desire in the deepest parts of my heart, that my eyes are opened to my lack of appreciation of the love He so freely has given to me.  I strive and I work, counting only on my own power, until I do not succeed in an important endeavor. My eyes are then open to the fact that I only return God’s affection when I am desperate for a favor from Him.  Or…I acheive a great success, and realize I am treading dangerously in my own power and pride, and yet God has chosen to bless me anyway.

The first part of the passage speaks to the importance of living a blameless life for God, and also as a witness of Christ’s character.  It is a challenging passage no doubt…quite convicting for me at this time.

Advertisement