2 Corinthians – Chapter 13

For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. 2 Corinthians 13:10 – By this time in Paul’s life, he has written multiple letters to the church in Corinth and been with them twice in person. His plans were to soon come be with them in person for a third time, but is writing this letter to prepare the church for his arrival. In this final chapter Paul begins to tie things up with a bold statement. He said he’s coming soon, and he’s written them the instructions they were to follow and the about the changes they were to make. Now the command was to make such changes before he came so he wouldn’t have to use his spiritual authority to tear them down further. His heart was to build up the church, but if they continued to persist in sin, they he’d use his God-given authority and power to humble those in the church refusing to change. The heart of this chapter was for the church to examine themselves, to see if they truly were following Jesus like Paul had taught them to and displayed for them with his own life. If the discovery of that examining was they weren’t following Jesus, then they were to make whatever changes in their life to begin following Him. Let us do such an examining as well. Like Paul with the Corinthians, Jesus is returning someday in our story. Do we want to be found refusing to follow His word when He returns? Would we be found as not even a true follower of Him? Jesus’ heart in His return is to bring us to Himself, but He will use His power to condemn those who reject Him. Choose today to follow Jesus and His words and make the changes in your life scripture directs you to make. Be found as a faithful follower of Jesus rather than someone who has chosen the way of this world. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3136

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 – Sure seems like Paul sees the value of togetherness and unity within the church and also knows the intentionally it’s going to take from the church to see that happen. As anyone reading this who has been a part of a church family for any amount of time knows, it’s easy to see how friction and factions can spring up over things. We though are called to something different in our church family. A unity unlike anything this world knows what to do with. For that to take place though, everyone in that family is going to have to be intentional about seeing that happen…and I mean everyone. That means you seeking daily how to fall in line with what this passage is saying and praying for the people in your church that you’re already thinking need to follow this “more than you do.” We can have something beautiful in a church family. We found restoration in our of soul from Jesus and we can find reconciliation within the church family too by the power of Jesus. Make sure though you’re doing your part to be a part of the healing that God wants to bring within your church. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac

For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. 2 Corinthians13:9 – I love that, your restoration is what we pray for. That Paul not only knows it’s good for others to find healing in their walk with God, but his heart longs for it. He prays earnestly for others to be strong in their faith life and desires the healing of what’s been broken there. I know most all of us would be open to saying we want others to be solid in their faith, but what are we doing about it? Are we praying for them to find restoration there? Are we pursuing that healing in their walk with God? Or are we just being observers to the spectacle of the world stepping in and destroying people’s lives and giving a little “oh what a shame” response to it all? Start today by deeply praying for the health spiritually in the lives of the people God has connected you with. Have a role in their healing. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 731

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Corinthians 13:5 – Paul in his final section of his letter to the church in Corinth was bringing the fire on them to get things right. Here he is pushing them to a heart check to see if they really are a follower of Jesus. Have they come to Jesus for their forgiveness? Have they chosen to follow His ways and live for Him? Is the way they are currently living actually the way Jesus commanded them to? He told them to really look hard at themselves to see if they are really in this. Is it just a show? Have you been been deceived and are following a wrong gospel? Examine yourselves Paul said to the church in Corinth, and I believe God wants the same for us. If we look at scripture then do a serious heart check, are we in the faith? Do we have relationship with Jesus and are we seeking daily to follow Jesus? Would Jesus be able to tell we follow Him? As Paul wrote to this church, let’s examine ourselves to see if we are in step with Jesus or walking a different path. Let’s be found in the faith. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2073