Daily Bread 2011 - 2 Corinthians 7
2011 Daily Bread – 2 Corinthians 7
Paul’s Joy
2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.5 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
What Does This Mean For Us?
As Paul has to deal with this difficult issue in the church at Corinth, we see the human side of him as he speaks of how important their relationship is to him. Though Paul has had to confront them on a few difficult matters, he is given great joy by the fact they were concerned about him and longed to see him again. Paul takes great pride in his relationship with them. In fact, it is because he esteems the relationship so highly, that he feels obligated to take the risk and bring up these difficult matters.
His relationship with the Corinthians gives him great comfort, as he meets other challenges in Macedonia (Northern Greece). We see Paul’s heart for these people, even though he has not been able to stay in any one place for any great length of time. Paul is equally pleased that they have received Titus in a similar manner. He had “built up” the Corinthian church to him, and they had not let him down.
What Does This Mean For Us?
Part of the joy of doing ministry together is the relationships that are built. While oftentimes relationships in the world are shallow and based on what each person can get from the other. In healthy churches, relationships are built upon a mutual affection for Christ and giving sacrificially in His name. This creates a bond of affection the world cannot offer.
Paul describes this when he says, “We would live or die with you!” How many friends do you have that you can describe in this way? I have made many of these types of friendships in the churches I have served at that continue to this day. They are a great source of encouragement to me in many of the ways Paul describes.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for joy of the Christian community you founded upon your own relationship with your disciples. As we do life and ministry together in Your name, may that same joy permeate the relationships in each of our churches, Amen.
Paul’s Joy
2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.5 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
What Does This Mean For Us?
As Paul has to deal with this difficult issue in the church at Corinth, we see the human side of him as he speaks of how important their relationship is to him. Though Paul has had to confront them on a few difficult matters, he is given great joy by the fact they were concerned about him and longed to see him again. Paul takes great pride in his relationship with them. In fact, it is because he esteems the relationship so highly, that he feels obligated to take the risk and bring up these difficult matters.
His relationship with the Corinthians gives him great comfort, as he meets other challenges in Macedonia (Northern Greece). We see Paul’s heart for these people, even though he has not been able to stay in any one place for any great length of time. Paul is equally pleased that they have received Titus in a similar manner. He had “built up” the Corinthian church to him, and they had not let him down.
What Does This Mean For Us?
Part of the joy of doing ministry together is the relationships that are built. While oftentimes relationships in the world are shallow and based on what each person can get from the other. In healthy churches, relationships are built upon a mutual affection for Christ and giving sacrificially in His name. This creates a bond of affection the world cannot offer.
Paul describes this when he says, “We would live or die with you!” How many friends do you have that you can describe in this way? I have made many of these types of friendships in the churches I have served at that continue to this day. They are a great source of encouragement to me in many of the ways Paul describes.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for joy of the Christian community you founded upon your own relationship with your disciples. As we do life and ministry together in Your name, may that same joy permeate the relationships in each of our churches, Amen.
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