Begin with 2 minutes of silence and stillness before God.

Have your intentions, actions, or words ever been questioned? How did that make you feel? Wowzers! Well, I can tell you from my experience, 10 out of 10 DO NOT RECOMMEND! It hurts. It is frustrating. It can be infuriating because you KNOW you and you KNOW what you did, what you meant, what you said, and what you DID NOT do, mean, or say. What are you going to do, though? How do you change what someone else believes to be true?

Before Paul became Paul, he wasn’t a fan of Jesus at all. But then, he experienced a transformation—one that only Jesus can bring. Suddenly, he became Jesus’ biggest supporter!

This dramatic change must have been confusing for those he had once persecuted for following Christ. Over time, Paul earned their trust and helped build the early church. Then… BOOM. Everything shifted again when Paul’s integrity was called into question in Corinth, and he had to work hard to regain the trust of the Corinthians. I can feel his hurt and frustration. He knows his allegiance. He knows his purpose and all he wants to do is fulfill that, but there are obstacles, and now he is trying to mend whatever has caused this mistrust towards him in Corinth. So, how does Paul fix this and continue his mission? Right away, my instinct would tell me to go into freakout/survival mode, which I can tell you is NOT pretty, but Paul has it figured out. He very eloquently, sincerely, and simply addresses the Corinthian church in his letter.

1. 2. 3. 4. BE NICE. The introduction to this letter shows Paul’s humility as he re-establishes his authority as one commissioned by God.

CHARACTER WITNESS (bring backup). Paul introduces Timothy as a co-author to show that this communication was not just his opinion, but Timothy was also a part of it and helped with God’s work in Corinth, and very much supported Paul.

KEEP IT POSITIVE. Paul offers blessings of grace and peace. He shares the importance of forgiveness and hope.

REAFFIRM PURPOSE. Paul continues to share the importance of his purpose to build the Kingdom of God.

As I have gotten older, I have come to terms with the phrase “perception is reality.” I also know that what others think about me, my intentions, my choices, etc., are not a true reflection of who I am, BUT how I respond is a reflection of who I am. Sometimes it is difficult to accept that people are going to think and say what they want, and that I should just ignore the noise. Gulp. You know, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt them.” On the other hand… I ALSO HAVE TO REMEMBER that sometimes what I think, what I say, and what I do do not always come across to others the way I intend and can give the wrong message.

Thank goodness we can look to God and the disciples whom He entrusted to spread His GOOD WORD and know that we are not perfect and we can find a way to restoration!

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.