Day 155, 2 Corinthians 7
Paul continues to focus on full-hearted commitment to God’s love, expressed through spiritual fathers and focused on single-minded obedience. Notice the level of relationship and connection he expresses in his exhortation to them. He’s not hiding any of the truth of his suffering; instead he’s using his compassion for their flourishing as a reason to joyfully embrace those trials.
Notice also, that this is not a lone spiritual authority exerting his influence over a whole church family: Paul operates in team, and Titus is mentioned here as another spiritual father who is part of God’s purpose to see this community of believers flourish.
It is draining to care for those who don’t yet recognize the benefits of community, but Paul is demonstrating here that the joys of community working as God intended far outweigh the burdens.
Where has God planted you in His family? How can you encourage your spiritual fathers and mothers? Who are you called to invest your compassion in? Can you imagine the joy in heaven and in the Church when that all happens as God intends?!
Have a great day!
Mark.