“For I lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and what I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; let there be contestations, jealousies, outburst of wrath, selfish ambitions; backbiting, whisperings, conceits, tumults” (2 Corinthians 12:20).
A though the majority of the Christians in Corinth had manifested repentance and had transformed their lives, there were still a few with disorderly conduct that allowed the pagan influence of the culture to permeate their faith. They doubted the apostle Paul, and they were critical of his financial integrity (see 2 Corinthians 10:2). In our lives, also, there will always be those who project their own weaknesses and faults onto those around them. Keep your integrity intact, and let your actions speak for themselves.
Paul listed eight sins that kept a few Corinthians still harbored, not to condemn them, but as a tender father who is concerned for the spiritual growth of his children. barrels, envy, anger, divisions, curses, murmurings, pride, and disorderly conduct were undermining the brotherhood. Some even used intrigue to gain positions of greater distinction within the church.
If Paul wrote to your local church, what sins would he describe? “Let no one deceive his own soul in this matter. If you harbor pride, self-esteem, a love for the supremacy, vainglory, unholy ambition, murmuring, discontent, bitterness, evil speaking, lying, deception, slandering, you have not Christ abiding in your heart, and the evidence shows that you have the mind and character of Satan, not of Jesus Christ, who was meek and lowly of heart.”—Testimonies for Ministers, ch. 62, p. 441.
Paul’s fears were valid. Although the majority of the members of the Christian church in Corinth had repented, a corrupt group, no matter how small, can contaminate the rest. What is more, Paul feared that the troubles and humiliations to which he had been subjected in his previous visit might be repeated. He was afraid that when he visited, the corrupt group might have influenced those who, with such great effort, Titus had edified. But in spite of his fears, Paul remained faithful in the midst of all his troubles. “The apostle Paul, who had received many revelations from the Lord, met difficulties from various sources and amidst all his conflicts and discouragements, he did not lose his trust and confidence in God.”—This Day with God, p. 191, July 1. The gospel enriches the garden of the heart, preparing it to produce the most precious fruit.
Father, help us to have unwavering faith in spite of our fears!
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Esteban Cortes
