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. – 2 Corinthians 13:11
Did you ever see a restoration project at the time where it looks like it would be better to level it to the ground rather than try to fix it? Relationships sometimes seem like that, appearing to be beyond fixing. All things are possible with God. As Paul says, “Aim for restoration.”
Though Paul often spoke of grace and forgiveness in Christ, he stood against sin and applied discipline when things got out of hand. In 1 Corinthians, he extended discipline by admonishing the believers for the division they had allowed (1 Corinthians 1:10-11) and for accepting a man into their fellowship who was in blatant sin (1 Corinthians 5:1-13). In 2 Corinthians, Paul wants things put right before he comes to visit the Corinthians, so he would not have to severely reprove them when he came. He urges them to restore the one who caused division and offer comfort so the individual is not burdened with excessive grief (2 Corinthians 2:7).
Aim for restoration in your family, congregation, and work situations. Ask the Lord for wisdom to offer comfort in situations of loss, error, and grief. Make it your goal to live in harmony and peace in all of your relationships. Pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ to walk in the peace and love of God. Pray for believers to apply the principles of Christ’s forgiveness and restoration in their homes and marriages. Ask God for a renewed mindset concerning marriages and families in the United States. Pray for nationwide restoration of peace and unity to the glory of God.
Today’s Verse: 2 Corinthians 13:11
1 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.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 5:21-26
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
