Sunday, June 4, 2017

Maintenance, repair, and renovation

2 Corinthians 13:11 includes some of the final thoughts Paul has for the church in Corinth. He reminds them first, remember to keep rejoicing. The implication is that they’ve already been rejoicing, but also that it’s not just a seasonal event. Our lives need to be saturated with the practice of rejoicing, as it consistently reminds us of what great things God has done, and who the source of every good and perfect gift is. In the same breath, Paul reminds them to fix what is broken.

Take a moment and consider what is broken right now. Encouragement, cooperation, and peace all follow close behind. Each of these speak to a collaborative, community that’s in close relationship. It can become much simpler to gloss over differences than to cooperate with one another while acknowledging the diversity found in the body of Christ.

Finally, Paul rightly roots all of this things in the Author of love and Peace. This isn’t a conditional statement, Paul isn’t saying if you do these things then God will show up, Paul is saying that these things that would otherwise seem impossible are possible because the author of love and peace will remain with you.

Reflecting on this verse, where can you rejoice today? What relationship needs to be fixed, or is not what it was or should be? Where is God asking you to live in peace with a brother or sister in Christ?


2 Corinthians 13:11

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