2 Corinthians 1:23-24

2 Corinthians 1:23-24

And I myself appeal to God as a witness upon my soul – because while sparing you all I no longer came into Corinth.  Not that we govern your faithfulness, rather we are coworkers of your joy.  For you all have stood by faithfulness.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul calls upon God as a witness against his soul.  This is an interesting point.  Of course, the reality is that God will be the only true witness against any of us!  In the end, it is God who will judge us and determine our guilt and our righteousness.  In fact, God can be the only true judge.  Who else can know what truly lies within any of our hearts?

How often do you forget that you cannot know what is in the hearts of other people?  Why is it easy to forget that God is the only true judge of other people?

Second Thought:

In the midst of this passage we actually find a note of grace with Paul.  He wanted to spare them his wrath.  There are some people who are quick to judge – especially after being judged.  But Paul shows us that the higher road is to not judge.

Are you quick to judge or do you prefer to give people a chance to avoid wrath?  How do you know the right time to step in and correct and when to show grace?

Third Thought:

Put reminds the Corinthians that his posture is to not govern over them.  It is easy for church leaders to feel like they are in a place of judgment.  In fact, many people have accused Paul of being one of the most judgmental church leaders!  But here we see that Paul prefers to not be in a place of judgment.  He knows that he cannot take the place of God.  What will matter is when they stand faithfully before God – rooted in their faithful obedience through Christ.

Where do you see people standing in faithfulness?  Where are you guilty of judging others when you should be focused on their faithfulness instead?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Corinthians 2:1-4