~ Building up, yet Broken down ~
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you – unless, of couse, you fail the test? And I trust you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even thought we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority – the authority the Lord gave to me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
— 2 Corinthians 13:5-10 (NIV) —
Look to the bible and see what is truth. God’s truth, not my perversion of it. I find that it is very easy for me to try and bring out my own interpretation of a verse, only to re-read it and find that the verse didn’t mean that at all… Hence why I’m always quoting the bible verses here. Helps to keep me from veering off-course. ^_^;;
Paul is writing to the church in corinth… in the best style of christian love: confronting sin with love and grace. I can’t even pretend to get close to that. Prayer is always a vital part of this relationship, prayer to keep from sin, prayer for God’s continual work on those whom he has chosen. Confront sin in a loving manner and also giving them a faith that will keep them on-track, even when you faulter and stumble.
When dealing with fellow brothers and sisters, this is the model: Pray for each other to keep growing in God and to keep away from sin. Seek to raise them up, even when the price is to lower yourself. Reach for not just learning about God’s love and accepting Jesus into their lives, but also to become spiritual mature and to bear fruit for God.
Father God, it is a hard line to walk, between defending truth and showing love and grace. But Jesus showed us this is possible, through God. Keep our walk in your paths, and bring us to spiritual maturity so we may bear Your fruits. I pray all this in the Master-Shepard’s name, Jesus, Amen.
~inspired by a conversation with acts_fellowship~