An interesting passage especially since this is point in time when Paul has been forceful in his assessment of the Corinthian church and he rarely minces words. After all, he is speaking in the Spirit of God and his letter in its entirety is part of the canon that we now call the Bible. On the surface, it seems that he speaks out of a spirit of weakness and/or timidity - sign that this letter is faulty or lacks the power that is necessary to "make the cut". On the contrary, Paul speaks here with controlled authority and by (what commentaries call) "the meekness and gentleness of Christ". This is the characteristic that Christ is known for (Matt 11:29) and so we should give Paul some lee-way. Paul does say that (as he started this letter) that he will be forceful when he needs to be and his yeas and nays are given non-wavering and with authority. Thus his statement in v.6.
He does point out in v.7 in ways that are similar to Isaiah that man's ways and thoughts are not on par with God's and that is due to our lack of understanding and incomplete obedience (v.6). Paul doesn't hide behind his letters and we too should be bold in our actions which speak louder (good or bad) than our words. We can say but if we do not do, our lives will be an antithesis of what Christ is (wow! big words!)
I am writing this today later than usual but still feel the need to blog and to continue in His word. It was a long day today but if you ever get on my FB you can see that this has been a long but rewarding week.
Prayer for today (actually tomorrow): that we can get the place cleaned and turned around before we head back up north. Also for traveling mercies for both of us and hooking up with GG and Dave for dinner tomorrow night. It will be good to see GG before he heads off West since his schedule will not be as flexible to come back East as much as we want him to. Still praying for my peeps.
Praise for today: that He is faithful in the little things as much as He is in the grander things.
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