February 23, 2025
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Deuteronomy and Corinthians? Here’s today’s reading:
2 Corinthians 13 (NIV)
Final Warnings
1 This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” 2 I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others,……Continue Reading
2 Corinthians 13
As a church. Be of one mind. Live in peace And the God of love and peace will be with you
2 Corinthians 13
2 Corinthians 13
2 Corinthians 13
“Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Great advice for all of us!
Paul is challenging them to examine themselves, truly examine themselves. It is easy to find faults in others but never as easy to take a long hard look at ourselves. Do we see evidence of Christ in the things we do or are we “all talk”. It is about becoming less so He can be more. Putting others first and living at peace with others.
Paul asks the Corinthians to examine themselves so that he would not need to be harsh with them. It is far better to be harsh with ourselves and address the wrong in us than to have others do it. It is important for us to ask God to search us and to reveal the things inside us that are wrong (Psalm 139:23-24). Now Paul was willing, as every leader should be, to address things that are hard, but it is also good to not want to have to. Far better for a letter to do the trick so face to face confrontation is not necessary. Especially when there is distance that separates you from people and regular interaction is not possible. Other than that we should all have strong connections with each other within a church so we can be a source of support, encouragement and accountability to each other.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” I just love these verses. They point to the reason why fellowship is so important in the church. God wants us to be together so we can love, support, encourage, discipline and restore one another. For when we are united like this, we are a strong force for God’s purpose in the world.
”For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.“
II Corinthians 13:8 NKJV
I couldn’t help but notice this verse. The truth is the belt in our spiritual armor.
Of course the benediction is the best part of this chapter: ”Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.“
II Corinthians 13:11-14 NKJV