“2 Corinthians 10:7-11”

Saturday, June 16, 2018

“You are looking at things as they are outwardly. If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ's, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ's, so also are we. For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters. For they say, 'His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.' Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.”

---End of Scripture Verses---

When I was a child I remember a novel that sat on the bookshelf in our living room entitled, “The Aftermath”. I was convinced that book was all mathematics, and I wanted to read it since I liked that subject in grade school. That is a literal case of “judging a book by its cover.” Paul warns us here to stop “looking at things as they are outwardly” (verse 7). Far too often, I believe, we judge people by the color of their skin, the way that they dress, and the way that they talk, instead of by who they are on the inside. It is impossible to know a stranger’s motives and intentions, but we should try to love all people and cautiously give everybody the benefit of the doubt.

There was an ungodly element among the church at Corinth that persuaded the brethren to judge Paul by his “personal appearance” and his “contemptible speech (verse 10). They failed to focus on the power of God behind Paul’s doctrine and his apostolic authority (verse 3). It is clear from the content of this epistle and the fact that he postponed his visit in order to “spare” them (2 Corinthians 1:23), that Paul wanted to be harsh in his letter so he could be gentle when he saw them face-to-face. Paul was not being hypocritical by this approach, but kind, loving and considerate. He was the same person “in word by letters” as he was “when present” (verse 11), who cared deeply about their souls, and earnestly desired their godliness, faithfulness and eternal salvation.

Please read 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

- By Louie Taylor

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