2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
This morning I sat struggling with writing today’s devotion on the topic of peace. I found myself in a petty discussion online that robbed me of my peace. Realizing that it was going nowhere and recognizing that my heart was not in the right place, I decided to stop and focus on this devotion instead. And lo and behold, look at what God put before me. Today’s verse on striving for restoration, encouraging one another, being of one mind… all of the things I was NOT doing as I engaged in the petty back and forth.
The church of Corinth was plagued by struggles, as well. They experienced division, moral failure, and many challenged Paul’s authority, much the way my authority was being challenged online. But Paul did not choose to engage in argument or defending his position. Instead he encouraged them to mend their divisions and to encourage one another, to live in peace. He showed them that God’s peace and love would be with them.
Despite the difficulties and the circumstances leading to division within, Paul commanded them to rejoice (from the Greek word chairete which was used as a polite and respectful greeting). They were to be respectful and polite with one another, which brings with it unity and peace.
He also encouraged them to strive for full restoration. This Greek word, katartizesthe, had a literal meaning of mending nets or setting broken bones. It was an appeal to the church to correct the flaws within, to repair the community that had fractured or been severed by discord, and to restore the spiritual maturity of the members.
He then commanded them to encourage one another, to be of one mind, and to live in peace. Believers were to build each other up while maintaining harmony and community. They were to avoid pettiness and worldly fracturing within the Body.
Today my heart has been humbled. God used today’s verse to show me where I was failing to show His love to others. I was not being of one mind, one Body. I was letting my own pride and my need to prove myself and my way get in the way of true fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. And it was stealing my joy and peace, as well as disrupting the peace and harmony within our community.
I echo Paul’s prayer that God’s love and peace be with each of you.
Prayer: Lord, Help me to strive for restoration in any relationships or interactions that have been disrupted. Bring peace and joy to the Body and let us live in harmony, giving glory to You. Amen
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