"A Change of Heart, if Not the Person"2 Corinthians 13:9
We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.
Thoughts for Today:The King James Version of our passage today is: "For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection." The Greek word used for "perfection" (or in the NIV "fully restored") is KATARTISIS and means "a strengthening, training, disciplining, or instructing" (according to Strong's Concordance). Paul's point (which is not completely clear in either the NIV or KJV translations) is one emphasizing growing maturity, not necessarily flawlessness.
Many of us have the tendency to look at the flawed nature of those around us and say, "I really hope you get judged and punished for what you're doing." But not Paul. He says, "My hope is for you to be trained and strengthened by this situation; and as a result you will experience real growth in your maturity as a follower of Jesus."
Whenever I get that old feeling of, "He or she has done me wrong," and I want payback, I pray for them (Paul is my example). Not for them to be punished or destroyed, but for God's blessing to come upon their life. Certainly, my prayer can be a little self-centered, because in my heart I really want the Lord to straighten out the person I'm praying about. And sometimes they actually change. However, the real change comes inside of me. I lose the anger, hurt, indignation or whatever other feeling I might be having. Why? It is almost impossible to stay mad at someone when we are earnestly praying for spiritual growth, maturity and blessing upon his or her life.
Questions to Ponder:Is there someone who has done you wrong recently? Do you have a neighbor, co-worker, family member or other person who is a constant source of irritation? Have you prayed for God's blessing to come upon their life? I know it is not our first thought, but it is the Lord's. Will you allow Him to change your heart, if not the person or situation?
We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.
Thoughts for Today:The King James Version of our passage today is: "For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection." The Greek word used for "perfection" (or in the NIV "fully restored") is KATARTISIS and means "a strengthening, training, disciplining, or instructing" (according to Strong's Concordance). Paul's point (which is not completely clear in either the NIV or KJV translations) is one emphasizing growing maturity, not necessarily flawlessness.
Many of us have the tendency to look at the flawed nature of those around us and say, "I really hope you get judged and punished for what you're doing." But not Paul. He says, "My hope is for you to be trained and strengthened by this situation; and as a result you will experience real growth in your maturity as a follower of Jesus."
Whenever I get that old feeling of, "He or she has done me wrong," and I want payback, I pray for them (Paul is my example). Not for them to be punished or destroyed, but for God's blessing to come upon their life. Certainly, my prayer can be a little self-centered, because in my heart I really want the Lord to straighten out the person I'm praying about. And sometimes they actually change. However, the real change comes inside of me. I lose the anger, hurt, indignation or whatever other feeling I might be having. Why? It is almost impossible to stay mad at someone when we are earnestly praying for spiritual growth, maturity and blessing upon his or her life.
Questions to Ponder:Is there someone who has done you wrong recently? Do you have a neighbor, co-worker, family member or other person who is a constant source of irritation? Have you prayed for God's blessing to come upon their life? I know it is not our first thought, but it is the Lord's. Will you allow Him to change your heart, if not the person or situation?
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