QT 7/2/2025 2 Cor 13:11–14, Final advice to the church

2 Corinthians 13:11–14 (ESV) —

11 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. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you.

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

 

NOTE: As Paul finishes his letter, he gives some good advice to the church and leaders. Before we tackle any issue or set of issues, we need to rejoice and focus on the positive things that God has been doing. Having done that, we then work to restoration of relationships with others and with God. Following that or in concert, we comfort others, especially those that have been rebuked.

 

We need to agree together as a body. I see this as one of the biggest struggles in a church -- people don’t agree about the silliest things that really don't amount to a hill of beans. Who cares if they don't do it the way you want it done? Does it really matter? Why are you making such an issue? Is it so hard to eat your  pride and agree? I have noticed over the years that the mature in Christ are agreeable, and the immature in Christ want to argue over everything.

 

The goal is to live in peace with one another. It really is not that hard if we would just let go of having things our way.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I immediately get angry about decisions I don't like?
2. Do I stop and pray and ask God for his wisdom when I hear of a decision I might disagree with?
3. Do I ask good questions of myself, like, what difference does it really make? Or, is it a biblical "fall on the sword" issue or just a different way of doing things?

 

PRAYER: Father, there will be a lot of issues the body will face in the months and years ahead. I pray for a spirit of peace and agreement in the body. I pray for spiritual maturity. I pray for humility and the love of Christ to overshadow any disagreements.