Suffering is just hard, whether it be our own hardship, or the suffering or hardship of a love one or an acquaintance. It is the path that sin has dealt us in this life and a life sometimes chosen for us for a purpose. Many times, though not a popular thought, suffering is a result of many personal failures to follow the Spirit’s leading in obedience by faith.

Know, however, we all unfortunately suffer this side of eternity, be it the work we are involved, the ebb and flow of finances and provision, or the health crisis experienced from a degenerative and decaying body.

In the case of Paul, and even the other Apostles, suffering was not only instrumental in his testimony, but in his transformation, especially in the area of character building. Personal humility and wisdom from daily reliance on God, is first and foremost what we often resonate while reading the passages on the pages of our Bible. The suffering of the Apostle and their navigation in and through the valleys often give us an example, wisdom, strength, but mostly hope.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer says, “We must form our estimate of men less from their achievements and failures and more from their sufferings.”

Just as God permitted Satan to test Job and Peter, so He permitted Satan to attack Paul. God wanted to keep Paul humble after his exciting visit to the third heaven, something I find so intriguing. Even more difficult than describing is the idea of seeing something so amazing and not being able to share for 14 years. I am at awe in how Paul could stay silent for so long at such magnificence as described by John in Revelation.

“I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.” 2 Corinthians 12:1-7 (ESV)

We do not know specifically what the “thorn in the flesh” or suffering Paul suffered, however, we do know he chose to Glorify God in and through the great difficulty he desired to escape and find strength each day in Christ alone.
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (ESV)

In the loving will of God, suffering has a purpose that can be fulfilled in no other way. Accept it, and it will become a heavenly blessing; fight it, and it will become a heavy burden.

May we also be reminded, as Paul was reminded, of the suffering our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ experienced even before His crucifixion in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (ESV)

Like our Lord in Gethsemane, Paul prayed three times for God to deliver him; but the Lord did not answer that prayer as Paul wanted. However, God did meet the need and gave His servant the grace he required. Paul did not simply make the best of it—he made the most of it! Grace can do that for you and me.

But, in this second letter to the Corinthians, Paul was concerned more about the sins of the saints than about his own physical problems. Like a loving father, he wanted to go to Corinth and enjoy his dear children, but they were forcing him to discipline them. Yet even discipline is an evidence of love.

“Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. (Hebrews 12:3-17 ESV)
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Today, be reminded that “for the joy that lay before him, Jesus endured the cross” and much more for you and me. He, the Son of God made it through Friday by keeping his eyes on Sunday when he’d go back to the Father in heaven and sit down at the right hand of the throne of Gob. Regardless of the suffering and trials you’re facing, know that resurrection day is coming. Don’t grow weary and give up.

​What are you willing to suffer to do the will of God and to ensure the Gospel is proclaimed? What hardships are you willing to endure to provide God’s love and saving message—the birth, perfect life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ—to a lost and dying world?

Are you echoing the message of salvation and eternal hope louder and more intentional as the days grow darker—as censorship, suppression, and persecution becomes more and more prevalent? What are you doing to proclaim and defend the Gospel? What are you willing to do, even endure, to ensure everyone, everywhere, and in every way that people in your circle of influence and community comes to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior?

The Apostle Paul, who was once a persecutor of Christians, was willing to lay all things down—body, reputation, and even his life—for the cause of Christ.

As he lists in 2 Corinthians 11, his faith and relentless following of Jesus was not just words of belief spoken by many false prophets. He suffered much and many times. Some of the Corinthians were believing the lies of false prophets and boasting about their great sacrifice. But , Paul could boast much more.  Paul mentioned his sufferings only to defend the gospel and the authority of his ministry. The false teachers bragged about their triumphs, but Paul boasted about his trials.

“Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast. 19 For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves! 20 For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. 21 To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that!  But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 32 At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, 33 but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.” 2 Corinthians 11:18–33 (ESV)

“The principle of sacrifice is that we choose to do or to suffer what apart from our love we should not choose to do or to suffer. When love is returned, this sacrifice is the most joyful thing in the world, and heaven is the life of joyful sacrifice. But in a selfish world it must be painful, and the pain is the source of triumph.”William Temple

While unpacking the opening of chapter 11, Warren Wiersbe calls followers, especially leaders, to beware and stand strong against false prophets and their destructive lies. He says, “Spiritual leaders must protect the church from false teachers who are like suitors trying to seduce the church from devotion to Christ. Beware losing your love for Christ and for those who helped you trust the Savior.”

In verses 5-15, Paul addressed another issue and and experienced a finger pointing complaint from a few wayward believers in the Corinthian church. He sternly reminded them that he had the right to receive financial support at Corinth, but he laid it aside and sacrificed for them in love. They obviously did not appreciate it!

Do you appreciate the sacrifices others make for you? Are you willing to sacrifice for others even when they do not thank you?
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Today, live loud for Jesus and intentionally do all you can to help someone know and walk closer to Jesus. Make sure everyone hears the Gospel, despite the sacrifice or the suffering, and be reminded of all those who have sacrificed and suffered to ensure God’s saving message reached your ears. Keep sharing!

Our greatest accomplishments are the things done in God’s honor and for His Glory, by seeking only His approval and praise. That is the overriding message in 2 Corinthians 10.
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“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:17–18 (ESV)

God spoke to the Prophet Jeremiah this way: “but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:24
Paul also brings an explanation for his tone in his letters to the Corinthians and key points of challenge and preparation, first and foremost, “Be like Christ!”

He begins by explaining that boldness must be balanced with meekness, for God’s power is experienced in humility. Obviously, Paul exhibited much humility in his original stay with the Corinthians; however, their sin and his knowledge of Satan’s destructive power, as well as, the being led by the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote with much more boldness and intensity. What Paul knew, and we should know, is that Satan is our enemy; not people held by his power.

We often need reminded that Satan seeks to blind the minds of God’s people—Jesus’ followers. Satan seeks to fortify minds and blind humanity against God’s truth. It is also his goal to seduce minds from God’s love by posing questions much like those asked in the garden, when he appealed to Eve. Adam and Eve’s confusion and choices, caused by Satan, led us to where we’re are today, a people with the seed of sin living in us, to the place where we have all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God—a place where we are all in need of a Savior.

Thank the Lord that God loved us so much He sent His Son Jesus to pay the price for our sinfulness; to shed His blood by being crucified for us as a lamb and hung upon a Cross; for the shedding of His blood for the remission of our sin or to pay the price for our sin; and, to reconcile our separation and broken relationship with God the Father.

And, what He asks of us is for us to receive Jesus, His Son, the perfect gift as sacrifice. What He asks of us is an admission to sin, belief and trust in Jesus Christ who gave freely His life as a sacrifice for our sin, and a confession that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Paul gives some practical counsel for victory in spiritual warfare as well in these passages. “Use spiritual weapons” being the simple message.

“Paul may have had in mind Joshua’s victory at Jericho (Josh. 6) when the walls came down because of Israel’s faith.” However, he might also been led to reference his Armor of God message to the Ephesians. (Ephesians 6:1–20). Be sure you are wearing the whole armor.” Warren Weirsbe

Paul also reminds the Corinthians to keep their eyes on the Lord and accept the sphere of service God gave them. For us, we must understand that every Christian soldier must wear the Armor of God and fill our place and calling in His great Army. God has uniquely designed each of us with a purpose and a plan. And, Jesus has commanded us to make disciples that make disciples. If we are all following our orders, the church will win the battle before us.

However, for me this day, God is calling me to seek God’s glory alone! How about you? How can you boast in the victories that God alone can gives this day? Have you put on the helmet of Salvation and are you walking in the shoes of peace? Are you wearing the whole Armor of God and seek to boldly live Christ-like lives, loving others, testifying to His power over Satan, and choosing to make disciples for the Glory of our Savior Jesus Christ?

Today, let us boast only in the Lord Jesus and seek to honor Him for His Glory and His approval alone. This day, practice steadfast love, justice, and righteousness before others on the earth.

“I urge you, don’t let me down!” Paul

In 2 Corinthians 8-9, Paul sent Titus and two other men ahead to Corinth so that the Corinthians would have their promised gifts and offerings for the Macedonians ready when he arrived to receive them.

Paul had told the church in Macedonia that the Corinthians had already begun collecting an offering; he hoped Titus’ early visit would encourage them to intensify their efforts and not let him down, as they often dropped the ball, committed sin, and failed on their promises.

Paul gave them direction in his first letter to the Corinthians, “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” 1 Corinthians 16:2 (ESV)

Here, Paul spoke of the blessedness of giving; of how giving should be done in the church, and of the results of generous giving.

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:6–10 (ESV)

Dr. Harold Wilmington, in his Bible Handbook, outlines Paul’s Rules for giving:
— Each individual must decide the amount he or she gives (9:7).
— All giving should come from the heart (9:7).
— He also shares Paul’s explanation of the results of giving:
— God will meet the needs of the giver (9:8–11).
— The giving will meet the real needs of others (9:12).
— The recipients will praise God and pray for the giver (9:12–14).

Are you sowing and reaping bountifully... or are you sowing and reaping sparingly? Does Paul’s rules and results change your attitude and response toward giving? Will you pray about your present giving practices?
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Today, if not already, will you become a generous giver by practicing generosity? Will you give graciously and generously, regularly, systematically, and sacrificially?

​As believers, we are called to possess gracious generosity. We are called to give of ourselves—our bodies, our time, our talents, our gifts, and our finances—honoring God, our Creator in worship, the Giver and Owner of all things.

Yes, as unpopular as it sometimes is to talk about in the context of church, we are called to give; to support the work and the spread of the gospel to all those lost and in need, even to the utter most parts of the earth and use all we are and have to do so.

We are called to give graciously, generously, regularly, systematically, and sacrificially. Tithing helps support the work of local body of believers and offerings over and above serves as blessing other as God has blessed.

“For the Macedonian Christians, giving was not a chore but a challenge, not a burden but a blessing. Giving was not something to be avoided but a privilege to be desired.” George Sweeting

2 Corinthians 8–9 both focus on an offering Paul was taking for the needy believers in Judea. The Corinthian church had agreed to share in the collection, but had been remiss in doing so. Paul reminded them of their promise and at the same time explained some principles of Christian giving.

According to Warren Wiersbe, Christian giving and generosity begins with surrender to the Lord, is motivated by grace, requires faith and faithfulness, is a testimony to others, and is accompanied with great joy.” God calls us to be hilarious givers!

He reiterates Paul’s first point that “You cannot give your substance until you first give yourself.”

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1–2

When we surrender and belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, we start looking for opportunities to resemble, respond, and give; instead of excuses not to give.

What we know is that Jesus was rich in heaven but became poor on earth (even to death on a cross!) that we might share His eternal riches. It was all by love and grace because giving is about love and grace. The Law commands, but grace consents and does so joyfully, even hilariously.

However, generous and hilarious giving requires faith. The example of the manna in Exodus 16 shows us that God always provides what we need, when we need it; not to be confused with what we want, when we want it.

Paul also used the image of sowing to encourage generous giving. What we can know is that God’s promises can be trusted.

We see in verses 16-24 that gracious giving also requires faithfulness. We see this as Paul sends Titus and two trusted others to receive their offering; three highly respected and trustworthy leaders and preachers. Paul is basically teaching that those who handle the Lord’s money should be dedicated and faithful, making certain that everything is honest and honorable.

Reading on into chapter 9, Paul reminds the Corinthians that giving reflects their testimony to others. A year before, the zeal of the Corinthians had stirred others to give; now Paul had to stir up the Corinthians. He sent the three co-laborers to help hold them accountable o their promise to give.

“But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.” 2 Corinthians 9:3–5 (ESV)

Generous Givers do not give to be praised by people, but give overflowing to be good examples before others for God’s Glory.

The underlying message is this: if we make promises, we should keep them and we must give gladly. If we want spiritual enrichment from our giving, we must practice enjoyment and be glad for opportunities to give.

Today, look at God’s promises to faithful givers and test Him in that faithfulness! How can you lose?
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Will you become a generous giver by practicing generosity? Will you give graciously and generously, regularly, systematically, and sacrificially?

“Regret involves the mind primarily, and remorse involves the emotions. But repentance includes a change of mind, a hatred for sin, and a willingness to make things right. If the will is not touched, conviction has not gone deep enough.” Warren Wiersbe

“For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

The Apostle Paul made it very clear in 2 Corinthians 7 that if we are serious about repentance, we will do everything we can to clear things up, to turn from our sinful thoughts and actions. If we are serious about our right relationship with Jesus, repentance, making a quick, sharp about-face is required. Remorse, regret and grief do not go far enough; there must be repentance followed by restitution, a real brokenness and appeal for forgiveness and a fleeing of such wickedness.

Dr. Tony Evans writes in his Bible commentary, “Worldly grief is what Judas experienced after he betrayed Jesus. He knew he had sinned and was filled with remorse, but he was unwilling to repent to God. In contrast, Peter experienced godly grief after denying Christ. This led to his repentance and recommitment to the Lord, resulting in his spiritual restoration.”

Here, Paul quickly explains that he and his co-laborers are not attempting to condemn or excommunicate the Corinthians. Their hearts are filled with affection, pride, and joy over them in spite of the afflictions suffered. The false apostles that were “levening the whole lump” were to blame for the unrest they had caused.

“So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. Therefore we are comforted.” 2 Corinthians 7:12-13

Both Paul and Titus cared about the believers in Corinth, and this love finally won the day. We take a risk when we love others, for they may hurt us, by word or action; but, it is worth the risk to be like Jesus Christ and live a life of love for the ones who are acting far from God.

“...God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Romans 5:8-11

Do you have any regrets? Do those regrets involve some sinful decision or pattern in your journey? Have you been broken over your sin in the past? Have you repented from your thoughts and actions? Has your relationship with God been reconciled by Jesus and His forgiveness of your sin?
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Today, if you are experiencing remorse, regret and grief over your sin, know it is not enough to just have these feelings, repentance must take place to restore and reconcile your relationship with the One who paid the price for your sin Jesus Christ, who is God.

​God longs to have a closer fellowship with us, but He will not share the yoke with the world.
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“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 (ESV)

Believers in the church were compartmentalizing their lives and compromising with the world much like today. They were not walking a separated pay from the world and Jesus was just a small part of their everyday or every week life.

Believers were not abiding by the Word of God that says, “come out from among them and be separate”— different, Godly, holy, and abiding in His truth and His ways.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;” Psalm 1:1

Too often there are those who cause issues in and for the church are people who have never truly been born again— people who have never repented from their sin and surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. They may think they are saved because they walked an aisle or chose to be baptized, but they are not— and one knows not based on the fruit they exhibit and the fruit that they fail to bear.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:16–26 (ESV)

Paul proclaims the words that “today is the day of salvation.” Now is the time to accept God’s love, grace, mercy, salvation, and gift of eternal life. Tomorrow may be too late, as no one is promises tomorrow.

Throughout 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Paul made it very clear that the Judaizers were motivated by pride and unwillingness to suffer for Christ. He did, however, continue to proclaim the Gospel that brought Jews and Gentiles together as “new and different people,” no matter how he might have had to suffer because of his often unpopular messages that boldly called out the callous sin and compromise.

Paul ended his letter as he had begun it, proclaiming the genuineness of his apostleship, acceptance, appreciation, and agreement.

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:1–2 (ESV)
Have you accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation for which He shed His blood freely on the Cross of Calvary? Do you believe you are a sinner in need of forgiveness? Have you trusted Jesus to be the sacrificial Lamb that paid for your sin and salvation on that old tree? Will you wholeheartedly surrender your life for the life Jesus has prepared for you?

As a believer, will you walk away from the sinful patterns in your present journey by seeking His Holiness and His Will and way for your life? Will you embrace Jesus and the life He has designed and is calling you to?

Today, choose to follow and live for Jesus at all cost and turn your back on sin and all that separates you from Him.

​What is it that motivates you to do the will of God? What drives you as a repentant, baptized, follower of Jesus to walk after Him, to answer the call to fish for men, and to bear much fruit?
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In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul reveals his spiritual motivations for service and pursuit of ministry and mission by pointing out the future judgment seat of Christ, his love for Christ, the power of the Gospel, God’s Good News message of salvation and hope, and the commission of the Lord to impact the world with the Gospel for the Glory of God and His Kingdom.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17–19 (ESV)

Paul and the other Apostles were determined to represent the Savior, and reconcile the sinners in Corinth and throughout the land with God through Jesus Christ alone.

Mindful that God would someday judge him and compelled by Christ’s love, Paul was eager to proclaim the gospel with everyone, everywhere, everyday, every way possible. We too should be compelled as followers of Jesus, indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit to make Him known to the world and those nearest to us.

We are ambassadors for Christ, pleading with the unsaved to receive His offer of eternal life and all promises proclaimed throughout the preserved Word of God. In Him, we are reconciled by His grace.

According to Dr. Harold Wilmington, “Christians, like ambassadors, are citizens of the state they represent, chosen for the assignment, and are called home before war is declared.” We have been adopted by God, grafted into His family through Jesus for a purpose—to be an Ambassador and to make disciples that make disciples.

Here and in Romans, Paul shares that creation is groaning and God’s people also groan, yearning for the Lord Jesus to come again. How about you?

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the Son of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruit of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:22–23 (ESV)

Paul longed to see Jesus come in his lifetime as many of those of us do, as we are all warn out from the despicable sin and blinded first century-like culture for which we live. Many groan for the sound of the trumpet and the sight of the horse ushering our Savior Jesus. I for one am eager to see Jesus face to face and the events spelled out in Scripture.

God’s Word gives us the truth about death and beyond, and God’s Spirit guarantees that God’s children will go to heaven. We claim this by faith and walk with confidence, and what peace it gives! It is the hope and future of all who believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, His sinless life, crucifixion and shed blood for the sins of all humanity, burial in a borrowed tomb, the resurrection from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit, and the visible ascension into heaven where He is preparing a place for all those who believe. Do you be believe? Will you believe, trust and follow after Jesus; seeking to do His perfect Will for your life and design?

“We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20–21 (ESV)
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Today, will you surrender to the will of God, lean on His Spirit and power, and unashamedly and unswervingly live by the authority of the Word of God? Will you walk by faith, and not by sight? Will you courageously share Jesus with those in your circle of influence as you seek to Glorify Our Sovereign and Transcendent God?

​“The grief down here is nothing compared to the glory we’ll know up there.” Harold Wilmington
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV)

In 2 Corinthians 4, we see the Glory of salvation, service, and suffering. Despite how that sounds, according to the Apostle Paul, there is not only Glory in service, but suffering for the sake of Jesus Christ and His kingdom.

Like many in the ministry there is sacrifice, struggle, and sometimes much suffering. Paul experienced this firsthand.

What I have learned is that no one is writing books on the suffering in service or ministry that Paul experienced; what every ministry leader knows all to well—the difficulties in leading and leaving a church, the struggle of sacrificing your family for another family in crisis, or working obscure hours and sleepless nights. Only blogs and social media posts are now beginning to be written of fallen, destroyed ministry leaders due to the stress, strain, and wear on the body and mind caused by everything in you being laid down and invested everyday so that a few might come to know Jesus and His promise of eternal life.

Very little is said about daily battles being fought with Satan himself, the wear on mind, body and soul caused by battling the principalities and powers of this present darkness in the power of Christ; yet, the outside, our bodies, still being torn down each passing day. No one is discussing the experience of those you love most turning their backs on you or the ministry you have deeply invested because of preferences or positions on a specific passage of Scripure. But, it’s the life many are called too, much like Paul and his calling on the Damascus road. It’s what Jesus experienced throughout His ministry. Not much is shared about that pain. Not much is said about how many in ministry experience deep wounds and even death in their calling. But, every ministry leader worth their salt will tell you that the call is not just inescapable, but the greatest path one could walk. There is nothing greater than suffering for the Glory of Jesus, the One who surrendered and sacrificed His life for those He loves. There is no greater love than this!

Jesus, in not so many words said, “Come follow me, suffer and die.” Not a real appealing career choice for the faint at heart. But, this was the calling Paul had on his life. This is the call I have on my life, and maybe you do too.

Like Jesus, Paul paid a great price for his ministry, but the legalists of the day went about the church collecting honors. As believers and followers, we are vessels; and the treasure of the gospel life within us is of utmost importance.

As vessels, we must be clean, honorable, and faithfully available for His use for whatever the calling as a great testimony for the work of Christ and His Spirit residing in us as repentant believers.

“Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” 2 Tim. 2:20–21 (ESV).

As an example for Paul and the other Apostles, Jesus suffered and turned that suffering into glory. By faith, we can do the same thing. It is not wrong to care for the outward person, so long as we recognize that it is perishing.

Like Paul, we must allow the Holy Spirit to transform us and to demonstrate God’s power and presence in our weak and decaying body.
Today, may we concentrate on the inner person—our faith, hope, joy; our heart and Spirit; and a character that bears much fruit. Here, Paul reminds us that “it is the invisible that is imperishable.”
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“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” 2 Corinthians 4:7–11 (ESV)

“Love does not condone sin, but it does cover sin when God has washed it away upon repentance.” Warren Wiersbe

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19–20 (ESV)

From a heart of love touched with pain and distress, Paul wrote 1 Corinthians, a severe letter to the church, hoping to correct the problems, as they were many.

The problems were with the leadership and sinful converts that struggled with compromise, traditional theology and ritual, and the ever-problem causing issue of power and authority. The sin of many, but more specifically one man causing great hindrances to the advancement of the Gospel and the mission of the church, brought grief to his dear friends in the church, who were seemingly easily influenced and passive in nature and action. These sin actions, the sin of this one man, and the letters of confrontation brought grief to Paul. The church disciplined the man who had caused the trouble, by what seems like the rules of church discipline spelled out in Matthew 18.

In this passage, like in the opening sentences of this 2 letter to the Corinthians, Paul was not afraid to share his feelings with others. Here, we are reminded that when we are out of touch with our feelings, we are out of touch with reality; however, we must always act out of obedience and live upon truth and mission, despite our feelings when it comes to leadership decisions, directions and following after Jesus. Truth, righteousness, obedience, and God’s Will spelled out in His Word must always supersede feelings and action and take precedence, especially when confronting sin and seeking to restore an brother of sister.

Paul also addressed forgiveness, as it is assumed this problem man, who was causing issues and was creating discord, repented from his disunity or sinful activities.
Paul reminds the church, and us, that when sinners truly repent, we should forgive them completely and reaffirm our love to and for them. Otherwise, they might become discouraged and give Satan an opportunity to accuse and attack.

When forgiveness is issued, we must seek to forget, no matter how difficult or hurt we have become. We must lay all at the foot of the cross and refuse to pick up the wrongdoing, pain, or difficulties caused or it will own us and cause future stumbling and barriers to spiritual growth and relational love commanded by Jesus. Yes, even if we have had to offer the other cheek or experienced the greatest of fall out.

Forgiveness requires restoration and a reaffirming love and acceptance. Love wipes the slate clean and seeks new beginnings and celebrations.

Paul ends the text by changing the focus from forgiveness to fragrance where he described a Roman Triumph, the official parade given to a victorious general when he returns to Rome. The incense carried by the priests meant life to the Roman soldiers but death to the prisoners who would end up in the arena with the wild beasts.

The message is that Christ has conquered death, and we are privileged to march in His triumphal procession with eternal life!

How forgiving are you? When you offer forgiveness, do you lay the wrongdoing at the foot of the cross and walk way? Or, do you run back and pick up the wrongdoing, pain, and fallout?
Are you living in victory and basking in the fragrance of the Lord? Or are you smelling the burning stench of those dead to the life-giving eternal hope of Jesus?
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Today, not only does Jesus call us to forgive and restore, but forget and unify. Pray today for the Holy Spirit to help you move past past issues for the Glory of God, the strength of the church, and the testimony to unbelievers.