Proper 7: Epistle, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13                                              

2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Having a “Pt. 2” in a title presupposes a first go. As I read and considered this week’s epistle reading there was no better way to proceed than to simply continue where I left off last week. The apostle Paul had written to this young and struggling congregation that having received the love of Christ in the gospel, he and they should be compelled to share that message with others. Sharing real love is always a good thing. And Jesus’ love is all the better.

This week’s reading gets personal for Paul. In it he spells out what following that compulsion faithfully has cost him. Verse 4-5: “ … but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors …” and on he will go. But what is most powerful as I read is this: there are no complaints. He continues relating how very misunderstood he and his companions are as they give the gospel freely wherever they go. Loss of security, sleep, and a growing contempt from sinful crowds for which they only have a sense of compelling love. Even within the Corinthian congregation Paul senses a squeezing of their once open hearts.

Preaching the gospel and living the gospel in this lost and dark world is a costly thing. The love of a spurned and righteous King is the motivation. The reward is seeing Him someday face to face. Compelled by love and motivated by getting to go home. It’s all worth the challenge. And who knows? Perhaps some others will come along.

We pray: Gracious Father of Jesus, grant us the fullness of Your Holy Spirit that we might know the joy of proclaiming Your love and grace to others. Help us so that we can bring some others home soon. In Jesus’ great name we pray. Amen!