Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, 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 send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
OK I made the text smaller today than normal. Mostly because instead of a verse of the day.. its practically the whole chapter. Some how I have ended up in Corinthians a lot the last few weeks. I should not say "some how" I know that God gives us His word for answers, for comfort and for encouragement. So there must be something in these 2 books that I need to be sure that I get.
I have found that people tend to act like people.... yes I know... that's an earth shattering observation... (note sarcasm) but its true and all of us people seem to forget that fact regularly.
For instance my rants of last night, when I am reminded of the fact that we all have feelings and we all have doubts and we all feel totally inadequate most of the time. It seem to make it easier to love others where they are at.... why... well because we are normally sitting there right next to them. With that said and in mind, I will get back to my bible verses...
OK in the first couple of verses he seems to be stating that they are feeling the way that most of us do. God has given us ways to walk in faith, and YES we all fail (regularly and quite publicly) but that doesn't mean that we are without the faith. In fact it reminds of us of our need for God, the calling for us to do what He asks of us. The fact that in our weakness, others can see His strength shining though.
I love how he goes on to say that he is not pointing these things (failings) out to tear them down.... but actually to encourage them. note: he is encouraging them to be more faithful... not to fail.
Which is SUCH a loving thing to do. How many times have we heard our own faults listed, without being given any hope or help (good news). It tends to leave us feeling even worse then we started.
I think this is a great example of a way to love others, to comfort, and to show mercy. Even when there are items to be discussed that are not so pleasant.
He follows up to say.....try harder. That we need to live in love and peace with one another. Because our minds are being focused on what God has done for us, as well as what He has called us to do.
Now I am quite sure that there are a lot more "deeper" meanings to the text then that. But I am thankful for what is there. The fact that people act like people ... no matter the time period that we live in, no matter the people involved. That we are called to act like people but people that God wants us to be. Then when we need help, that's what God is there for.
I think that James 1:2-5 sums it up.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Praise God for how good he is to us!
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