For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.
2 Corinthians 13:9
These are tender words from the heart, written by Paul who was concerned about a church that had problems following Jesus. The Corinthians were in doctrinal and social disarray. There were people there who spoke destructively against Paul and his ministry among them.
Paul spent nearly two chapters of this book defending his calling as an apostle, using the strongest terms, uniquely communicating with self-deprecating sarcasm, and calling out the Corinthians for their sensuality and divisiveness that so filled this church with appalling immaturity. Yet the apostle did not delight in chastising them for their sins. He wanted to share the beauty of gospel reconciliation and fellowship again with them.
So we should guard our hearts. When churches have divisions among them, our hearts should break. We should grieve and long, as Jesus did, that His disciples would be one! We should repent of any pride and judgmentalism, turn to the gospel, and rally around the restoration found in the saving work of Jesus!
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