THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Corinthians 12-13
“Everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.” (2 Corinthians 12:19)
Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian disciples is strained.
They have been bad-mouthing Paul’s weaknesses and failures.
Paul stresses that his mission has always been for their blessing.
Like Jesus, he wants to build up, not tear down (2 Corinthians 13:10).
As a Jesus follower, and a leader, I can test my own calling with these words.
Is my heart, my passion, to build up and bless those I work with?
Paul is learning that even good intentions can be misunderstood.
Do the people I meet and work with sense that I want to build them up too?
Paul was willing to spend/expend himself for this… am I, are you?
Do our words and actions build up co-workers, classmates, neighbours, etc.?
Am I saying things to be liked, to get people to meet my needs?
Am I doing things to manipulate people, or to use them to my advantage?
Test yourself carefully in this; often we are more self-led that we realize.
May my passion be – like Paul, like Jesus – to strengthen and build up others!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, show me times today when I am saying or doing things with selfish motives, instead of for the benefit of others. Help me to shift my words and actions towards strengthening others
I am reminded once again that as part of God’s family, I must be an encourager -a stepping stone and not a stumbling block. his reminds me of the passage which states that as far as it depends upon me, I must live at peace with all mankind.
GodPower.
SpiritDriven.
Walking daily in His ‘SonShine’ so that all may see Christ Jesus living in me.
Not my will but His will be done.
I need to be an instrument of His peace.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is dispair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.