“7But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. 8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.” – 2 Corinthians 13:7-9 (ESV)
I remember back when I was a teenager. I had invited a friend to our church revival and during the youth time one evening that friend accepted Christ as his personal savior. I and another friend were so elate that we embraced and rejoiced at this event.
I imagine that Paul is referring to a similar desire here. I can see Paul as he is writing this letter, weeping for the people of Corinth and their Christianity. As he writes in verse 9, “we are glad when we are weak and you are strong.”
As I look back, how have I fared in the way of being glad for others acceptance of and growth in their relationship with Christ? I wonder if I have been able to rejoice for and with them in those wonderful instances as I was back in that day as a teenager?
I am not so sure. You see, if you really know me, you know that I am not someone that puts themselves out there. I expect that others are able to do the right things and self motivate thereby not needing someone to encourage and build them up. I will say though that as I have grown in my life that I see the relational value to taking that approach, and I am sure that God’s Word is a big reason why.
In verse 8 Paul writes about doing “for the truth”. I have to take the approach to be true in my dealings with others, and in doing so, people look at me as though I am being inflexible and overly rigid in some things. To that I say, AND. I see this authentic approach as spreading the love of Christ and being true to others is only making them stronger. When they realize that they have succeeded and I am able to witness it, I will be able to embrace them with joy as we celebrate that success.
For you, are you willing to be truthful with those around you? Do you celebrate the success of others for their sake only? Will you be true to others for their sake and not yours?
Trevor's Thoughts 