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- Oct 26, 2007
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Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
Paul adds several bits of advice to the Corinthian church at the end of his second letter to them. In saying he wanted them to "become complete," he was saying he wanted them to "aspire to the highest degree of holiness," as John Wesley put it in his commentary, as they labored in unity for the advancement of the Gospel. In so doing, the God of love and peace would be with them.
Putting aside personal and theological differences for the sake of the Gospel isn't easy. No doubt you've bumped heads with someone, or several people, from church or other Christian groups over the years--even though you both presumably had the best of intentions. Sometimes, when the friction is great, it's best to part ways, like Paul and Barnabas did (Acts 15:36-41), rather than arguing about your differences. But often, that isn't necessary. In such instances, seek peace. As you do, you can trust that God will be with you.
Prayer: Father, You've made every person unique. As such, we have different perspectives. Remind me of this the next time I butt heads with a fellow believer over an issue that really is of no consequence in Your eternal kingdom.
Paul adds several bits of advice to the Corinthian church at the end of his second letter to them. In saying he wanted them to "become complete," he was saying he wanted them to "aspire to the highest degree of holiness," as John Wesley put it in his commentary, as they labored in unity for the advancement of the Gospel. In so doing, the God of love and peace would be with them.
Putting aside personal and theological differences for the sake of the Gospel isn't easy. No doubt you've bumped heads with someone, or several people, from church or other Christian groups over the years--even though you both presumably had the best of intentions. Sometimes, when the friction is great, it's best to part ways, like Paul and Barnabas did (Acts 15:36-41), rather than arguing about your differences. But often, that isn't necessary. In such instances, seek peace. As you do, you can trust that God will be with you.
Prayer: Father, You've made every person unique. As such, we have different perspectives. Remind me of this the next time I butt heads with a fellow believer over an issue that really is of no consequence in Your eternal kingdom.
