So Good, Rejoice.

2 Corinthians 13:11

“Finally brothers, rejoice.

Aim for restoration,

comfort one another,

agree with one another,

live in peace,

and the God of love and peace

will be with you.”

There is so much richness in this verse so let's start at the beginning.“Finally brothers, rejoice.” How lovely is it that this verse starts with a command to rejoice. What is he saying to rejoice about? Paul before this list of exhortations is talking about coming on his third visit to the church in Corinth, however it does not seem that is what he is talking about. No I would suppose that Paul is saying to rejoice in the Lord. And as random as it seems it really isn't because the joy of the Lord is to be our strength. This should be constantly at the forefront of our minds, that God has reconciled us to Him. That we are going to heaven. That we are in relationship with Jesus. That we have Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Even through the toughest trial none of these things will change, God loves you. We have no excuse not to have joy. That being said, joy does not mean an absence of sorrow, or sadness. You can be sad and have joy at the same time. Does it make sense. Not really, but there are many things in the world that no one understands fully. The fact is that we do experience both at the same time, we know that by experience whether it makes sense or not. Lets move on shall we.

“Aim for restoration,” Paul in verse 2 said some at Corinth who were in sin on his last visit that he would not spare them. I assume he means if they are still in sin. He goes on to say test yourselves to see if you be in the faith, and in verse 9 he says that “Your restoration is what we pray for.” This whole chapter seems to be filled with warnings about disobedience to God. Then the next command is swiftly written, “Comfort one another” I can imagine those frail in their faith feeling defeated by sin hearing the words to examine themselves. Perhaps feeling they've come up short one time too many and feeling unable to continue. Perhaps Paul is asking them to encourage one another not to give up hope in Christ and victory over their sin. Perhaps also for those strong in faith living in obedience since in general we all need encouragement during trial or persecution. Either way I love that command to comfort one another.

Next we are to “agree with one another,” This does not mean an all inclusive tolerance of every person and his or her sins. Rather it is that we are all to agree with one another under the word of God. And not to pick pointless battles which cause strife and division. It is submitting your will to one another as you plan a group project, or a day of outreach, or a bible study. It is being humble when someone rebukes you of sin. It is fine to be steadfast but make sure you are not just being stiff necked. When you want to be disagreeable take a moment to pray and see if God would instead have you agree.

“Live in peace,” Live your life in peace with God first and foremost, others second, and the government last. It is yet another short and sweet but rich command, living in peace is so preferable to living in contention. Why wouldn't we want to live in peace? The way to do this is very simple, confess your sins before God, and receive His forgiveness through the gift of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross. Next “Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.” 1^st peter 5:7 And “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 As you have peace in God it flows into every part of your life, including your relationships. Not to say you will never have fights or never have someone leave you, but rather having given everything to God you will be able to calmly view any situation with a peaceful perspective. Knowing that God holds all things in His hands.

Perhaps this is what is meant in the next portion of of Scripture, “and the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Application.

Rejoice, aim, comfort, agree, and live in peace with God and others.

How?

I will look for ways to comfort my classmates, to encourage them to to be closer to God today.