2 Corinthians 13:1-14

 1This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the
testimony of two or three witnesses.” 2I already gave you a warning when I was
with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not
spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, 3since you are demanding
proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but
is powerful among you. 4For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives
by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live
with him to serve you.
 5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you
not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6And I
trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. 7Now we pray to God
that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood
the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed.
8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9We are glad
whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection.
10This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may
not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for
building you up, not for tearing you down.
 11Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one
mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
 12Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13All the saints send their greetings.
 14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

MEDITATION
1. The church at Corinth was a pastor’s nightmare, but their new life was ablaze
in them.  Their problems are many and serious.  But, they knew that their
lives were being shaped for some grand and eternal purpose.  In spite of some
hard words exchanged between Paul and them, he called them “friends” and
encouraged them to “keep their spirits up” (v11).  And he wished them the
best by blessing them(v14).  This demonstrates that even though we can have
strong disagreements within the body of Christ, we can still be friends, still
encourage one another, still hope the best for each other.
2. What about my church?  Can I still keep friendship with someone at church
even though we hold different opinions?  Pray for our church that it will be
filled with people who are true reflections of God’s love and power.

Personal Note:
As Crossroad grows, there would be differences in opinions.  We see that Paul was trying to build each other up despite his hard words.  Is my preaching, teaching, planning, visitation, discipling...  trying to build my brothers and sisters up in Christ?  Do I have the courage to use hard words out of love and the concern of steering brothers and sisters in the direction that pleases God?