"Representing Well"2 Corinthians 7:13
By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
Thoughts for Today:Several week ago, one of the women at church told me what a blessing my twelve year old daughter had become to her. She said, "Amanda has this great, joyful spirit that just surrounds her and everything she does. She is a pleasure to be around." As you can imagine, I was very encouraged by her words. While we may know someone is doing very well (whether a child, friend or group), it is tremendously encouraging when we hear a supportive and positive report from other people.
In our passage today, the Greek word Paul uses for "refresh" is "ANAPAUO". Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon tells us it means both "to rest" (in a physical sense) as well as "to give rest, or refresh" (refreshment of the spirit or emotions). Paul had been encouraged by the information he received regarding the Corinthians' decision to remain faithful to his teaching. However, he was "especially delighted" when he saw how Titus had been given rest physically (hospitality) and also uplifted spiritually by their fellowship. The Corinthians had blessed Titus, and it must have been particularly rewarding to Paul when he saw -- by their actions -- how much they had grown. Like Paul, it can be extraordinarily gratifying to us when others are blessed by those we love. Especially our children. Good job Amanda -- you make your mother and I very proud!
Questions to Ponder:Have you been representing your spiritual parents well? What evidence do others see of your spiritual heritage? Paul left a legacy of faithfulness. Are you? What is it? What should it be? Are you representing well?
By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.
Thoughts for Today:Several week ago, one of the women at church told me what a blessing my twelve year old daughter had become to her. She said, "Amanda has this great, joyful spirit that just surrounds her and everything she does. She is a pleasure to be around." As you can imagine, I was very encouraged by her words. While we may know someone is doing very well (whether a child, friend or group), it is tremendously encouraging when we hear a supportive and positive report from other people.
In our passage today, the Greek word Paul uses for "refresh" is "ANAPAUO". Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon tells us it means both "to rest" (in a physical sense) as well as "to give rest, or refresh" (refreshment of the spirit or emotions). Paul had been encouraged by the information he received regarding the Corinthians' decision to remain faithful to his teaching. However, he was "especially delighted" when he saw how Titus had been given rest physically (hospitality) and also uplifted spiritually by their fellowship. The Corinthians had blessed Titus, and it must have been particularly rewarding to Paul when he saw -- by their actions -- how much they had grown. Like Paul, it can be extraordinarily gratifying to us when others are blessed by those we love. Especially our children. Good job Amanda -- you make your mother and I very proud!
Questions to Ponder:Have you been representing your spiritual parents well? What evidence do others see of your spiritual heritage? Paul left a legacy of faithfulness. Are you? What is it? What should it be? Are you representing well?
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