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20 June 2008
Word on the Web
2 Corinthians 1:22-2:4
I tell you this, and I ask God to be my witness that this is true: The reason I did not come back to Corinth was to keep you from being punished or hurt. We are not trying to control your faith. You are strong in faith. But we are workers with you for your own joy.
So I decided that my next visit to you would not be another one to make you sad. If I make you sad, who will make me glad? Only you can make me glad - particularly the person whom I made sad. I wrote you a letter for this reason: that when I came to you I would not be made sad by the people who should make me happy. I felt sure of all of you, that you would share my joy. When I wrote to you before, I was very troubled and unhappy in my heart, and I wrote with many tears. I did not write to make you sad, but to let you know how much I love you.
Christian faith needs to grow! Sometimes that growth needs encouragement, sometimes a certain degree of freedom and independence. Beware of people who want to have control over you and your faith, but seek out those who will help and encourage you to become mature in your Christian life and understanding. These emails, for example, are a good source of help.
Good Pastors and Teachers, like Paul, will keep a balance between doctrine (Christian beliefs) and care for people. If necessary they will point out wrong beliefs and practice and may talk about discipline, as Paul had done in his first letter to this church (1 Corinthians, chapter 5). They won't do so hastily or lightly and are likely, like Paul, to be very upset by the need to do so. They will always hope that it will lead to restoration and the return of Christian joy. Today's verses show how Paul chose not to be overbearing with the church in Corinth. He decided to stay away while they dealt with their own issues and to visit them again when things had been sorted out.
God always wants and does what is best for us. The same should be true of anyone seeking to help us grow in faith and we should be able to recognise it!
Father God, thank you for good Christian Pastors and Teachers. Thank you for those who have helped me to grow in my faith. Please help me to find good people to encourage me when I need it and keep me on the right track. Amen.
Written by Captain Peter Grieve
Word on the Web
2 Corinthians 1:22-2:4
I tell you this, and I ask God to be my witness that this is true: The reason I did not come back to Corinth was to keep you from being punished or hurt. We are not trying to control your faith. You are strong in faith. But we are workers with you for your own joy.
So I decided that my next visit to you would not be another one to make you sad. If I make you sad, who will make me glad? Only you can make me glad - particularly the person whom I made sad. I wrote you a letter for this reason: that when I came to you I would not be made sad by the people who should make me happy. I felt sure of all of you, that you would share my joy. When I wrote to you before, I was very troubled and unhappy in my heart, and I wrote with many tears. I did not write to make you sad, but to let you know how much I love you.
Christian faith needs to grow! Sometimes that growth needs encouragement, sometimes a certain degree of freedom and independence. Beware of people who want to have control over you and your faith, but seek out those who will help and encourage you to become mature in your Christian life and understanding. These emails, for example, are a good source of help.
Good Pastors and Teachers, like Paul, will keep a balance between doctrine (Christian beliefs) and care for people. If necessary they will point out wrong beliefs and practice and may talk about discipline, as Paul had done in his first letter to this church (1 Corinthians, chapter 5). They won't do so hastily or lightly and are likely, like Paul, to be very upset by the need to do so. They will always hope that it will lead to restoration and the return of Christian joy. Today's verses show how Paul chose not to be overbearing with the church in Corinth. He decided to stay away while they dealt with their own issues and to visit them again when things had been sorted out.
God always wants and does what is best for us. The same should be true of anyone seeking to help us grow in faith and we should be able to recognise it!
Father God, thank you for good Christian Pastors and Teachers. Thank you for those who have helped me to grow in my faith. Please help me to find good people to encourage me when I need it and keep me on the right track. Amen.
Written by Captain Peter Grieve
