Encouraging Words (2 Cor. 13:11-14)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

We’re finishing our months-long journey through Paul’s letters to the church in Corinth. We’ve been encouraged, affirmed, exhorted, and convicted. And as we wrap things up, let’s meditate on Paul’s last encouraging words:

Rejoice. The Bible tells us that God desires that His children experience joy. Psalm 16:11 tells us that:

You [God] will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
(emphasis mine)

And the second of the “fruit of the Spirit” is joy (Galatians 5:22). We can find joy in every situation because the God of the universe is with us, never leaving our side and loving us everlastingly (Hebrews 13:5; Jeremiah 31:3).

Be made complete. We are all works in progress, and God is molding and refining us to be more like Christ (Philippians 1:6). Our job is to be open to His will and live to bring Him glory.

Be comforted. We began Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians with the reminder that our God is the God of comfort. We receive comfort from Him, and we receive comfort from others—and we give comfort in return.

Be like-minded. It’s beyond critical that we believers be unified. We must love each other, support each other, esteem each other.

Live in peace. We need to “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). And we are blessed to remember the words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).

And may the “grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”