Abide Together: Reflections on 1 Corinthains 16 and 2 Corithians 1

In 1 Corinthians 16 Paul gives the Church some final exhortations concerning giving, accepting of Timothy and his ministry to them, standing firm, doing everything in love, etc… In verses 6-7 Paul expresses his desire to come and visit the Church at Corinth and specifically writes in verse 7, “For I do not wish to see you now just in passing, for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.”  Paul understood that with all the problems in the Church it would take more than a short visit to help them work through them.  Working through long existing problems takes patience and perseverance not a one time counseling session.  Paul loved these people enough to not put a band aide on something that needed surgery.  All followers of Jesus are called to lovingly and patiently work with other believers through their difficulties.  Lord, help me follow Paul’s example as I help others work through difficulty for Your glory.

In 2nd Corinthians 1 Paul again writes to the Church at Corinth.  The thing that stands out to me this morning is verses 3-4 concerning comfort in affliction or difficulty. God is the source of comfort and comforts his children so that they can comfort others with the comfort God supplies.  I have experienced this the last few days as I needed to be comforted in the loss of my friend, Craig Mullins and as I am being empowered to comfort Craig’s family and others in his passing. Lord, thank you for being the God of all comfort and for comforting me so that I could comfort others.  You are amazing. 

– Bryan McKenzie