Sunday, May 6, 2018

Openness in Conflicts and Fears

2 Corinthians 7:2-7   
2 Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. 4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.   5 For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us of your earnest desire, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced even more.

Serving each other means we open ourselves up to be transparent, though imperfect.  We treat each other with love in actions, doing what is right, fair, and yet merciful.  Paul even found joy in troubling times because it was for the gospel to those he ministered.  But he trusted God to lift him up as another fellow worker and brother came alongside to help.  He had conflicts all around and inward fears in all the difficulties and dangers, yet it was all worth it to see God working in the Corinthians.  They supported him in all the struggles together for the gospel, as an example for us to now follow.  

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