(2 Corinthians 13) – Paul’s final words.
The Apostle Paul makes it clear that he is planning to visit the Corinthians a third time very soon, and in that visit he will discipline those who have not heeded the warnings given in his previous visits and letters.
There comes a time when it’s obvious that someone won’t heed warnings and must receive discipline.
Paul didn’t want to have to do that though. He wanted them to receive the instruction, do the right thing, and show that God had been working in their lives in a powerful way.
If God has put us in a position of authority, whether it’s as a leader, a parent, a pastor, or an employer, we should desire for that authority to be leveraged in a way that builds others up, not tears them down.
We shouldn’t be hoping for people to fail so that we can swoop in and show our “strength” as a leader. We should always hope for their obedience, and ask God to lead them into maturity.
I was reminded yesterday that redemption should always be the theme of our ministries.
Paul’s final words come with an assortment of encouragements that shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Live life with the joy of the Lord (Phil. 4:4)
Never stop growing (2 Peter 3:18).
Be an encourager and a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9)
