The second letter Paul wrote to the Corinthians is a very personal letter. (Actually most scholars feel there was a "painful letter" written between I Corinthians and II Corinthians. See II Cor. 2:4 So there were at least three letters, and we have the first and third in our Bibles.) He shares a lot about himself in this letter as he works at maintaining a good relationship with this church in Corinth that he had started and to which he feels a strong relationship.
Paul several times defends his ministry, apparently because there are those who have challenged his sincerity, credibility, authority, etc. So in chapter 6 Paul lists some of what he has been through including beatings, prison and riots; and he mentions how he has ministered. The whole paragraph (6:3 - 10) is worth thoughtful consideration with its variety of descriptive words and phrases. But enjoy this one verse with me today. "---sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Cor. 6:10
What a vivid description of many of God's servants down through the centuries. It is an accurate description of Christians today, especially of so many faithfully serving God in poor and developing nations around the world.
In the midst of injustice and violence, His people are brokenhearted by the wounds people bear; they are sorrowful, yet in Christ always rejoicing. Facing overwhelming needs and systemic poverty, any of us can feel helpless: what can we do with our limited resources? We are poor; yet as we share the life changing, eternity changing Good News of the Gospel we are able to make the poor rich in Christ.
In so many cases, those serving Christ have chosen not to earn and consume but rather live on little so that they can serve and share with those in need. So they "have nothing" but again, in Christ, they possess everything of real, lasting value.
Rejoicing, rich, possessing everything! Have a great day!
Paul several times defends his ministry, apparently because there are those who have challenged his sincerity, credibility, authority, etc. So in chapter 6 Paul lists some of what he has been through including beatings, prison and riots; and he mentions how he has ministered. The whole paragraph (6:3 - 10) is worth thoughtful consideration with its variety of descriptive words and phrases. But enjoy this one verse with me today. "---sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." II Cor. 6:10
What a vivid description of many of God's servants down through the centuries. It is an accurate description of Christians today, especially of so many faithfully serving God in poor and developing nations around the world.
In the midst of injustice and violence, His people are brokenhearted by the wounds people bear; they are sorrowful, yet in Christ always rejoicing. Facing overwhelming needs and systemic poverty, any of us can feel helpless: what can we do with our limited resources? We are poor; yet as we share the life changing, eternity changing Good News of the Gospel we are able to make the poor rich in Christ.
In so many cases, those serving Christ have chosen not to earn and consume but rather live on little so that they can serve and share with those in need. So they "have nothing" but again, in Christ, they possess everything of real, lasting value.
Rejoicing, rich, possessing everything! Have a great day!
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