2 Corinthians 6:6 …in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love…
Before we begin, take a few minutes to read 2 Corinthians 6:3-6. We can’t take today’s verse by itself and truly understand. Pulling it from the context in which it was written will leave us confused and possibly lead to misinformation, so please read the context first.
Paul spoke of doing nothing that would discredit ministry work. Instead, we commend ourselves in every way, including in purity, understanding, patience, and kindness. He outlines the characteristics that we should have as Christians and gives us a list of attributes and behaviors that should be considered in our actions and demeanor.
Side Note: If you are uncertain what it means to commend yourself… To commend yourself means to actively praise, approve of, or acknowledge your own actions, achievements, and qualities. It involves recognizing your own strengths and accomplishments. In this verse, we see that we recognize in ourselves purity, understanding, patience, and kindness.
In regard to commending ourselves to be patient… When we do this we recognize and actively demonstrate endurance in our life and troubles, struggles, issues, and general situations. This is not just waiting but the enduring of hardships and afflictions without becoming angry, bitter, or disillusioned in any way. We trust that God has a plan for us and His plan is so much better than any we could devise on our own, and we endure whatever we are facing with joy and faith in Him to carry us through.
The entire passage from which this verse was taken outlines the authentic, godly character required for Christian ministry and life, emphasizing integrity through pure motives, deep spiritual knowledge, active endurance in hardships, genuine kindness, the power of the Holy Spirit, and sincere, unfeigned love.
Is this how you are living your life?
Prayer: Lord, Help me to commend myself to be patient and loving. Work in and through me to help me be an authentic, godly Christian. Amen
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