PAUL’S LOVE FOR THE CORINTHIANS

Passage: 2 Corinthians 12:11-21

Key verse: 15a

NIV

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Paul concludes his foolish boasting in this passage. He claims that he is not inferior to other apostles, nor is the Corinthian church inferior to the other churches. They were the work of God, and Paul would never burden them. They were like children whom he loved. Paul said that he would gladly spend everything he had—even his very life—because of his deep love for them. He sent the best coworkers to them, not to exploit them, but to serve them with the same love and the same Spirit.

Paul was not defending himself or his honor; he was doing everything he could to strengthen the Christians in Corinth. Paul was afraid that their ministry would fall into all kinds of sins. Their congregation had dealt with debauchery and sexual sins in the past. Paul did not want to be grieved by them, but hoped they would repent of all their impurity. He loved them and wanted them to repent and be strong and pure before God.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to love more. Use me to help others to be strong and pure before God.

One Word: Serve others in love