Free Bible Commentary
“2 Corinthians 12:19-21”
Categories: 2 Corinthians“All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved. For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances; I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced.”
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Everything that Paul had to say in his own defense really had nothing to do with himself. It had everything to do with God and His will for them. It had everything to do with strengthening the brethren spiritually. Paul was not interested in standing up for himself, but the building up of his brothers and sisters in Christ.
It is very hurtful and disappointing when we sometimes have to defend ourselves and explain our motives to the people we love the most and are trying to help and protect. But when they are determined to do the wrong things, they will feel the need to distance themselves from the ones who want the best for them, as a defense mechanism. Just remember. Their immortal souls are worth grieving over and fighting for just the same. Even if we have to endure the pain of abuse and rejection.
Paul mourned over the sins that his fellow Christians had gotten involved in and refused to turn from (verse 21). Sinfulness is a terrible situation that causes sorrow, pain and isolation. But more importantly, sin will cause people, even Christians once washed in the blood of Christ, to be lost for eternity. Friends, if that can’t make you mourn, I don’t know if anything can.
If you are caught up in some sin, please repent of it before it is too late. Life on earth is too short, and eternity too long. Don’t let any earthly treasure or pleasure or addiction keep you out of heaven.
Please read 2 Corinthians 13:1-4 for tomorrow.
Have a great day…
-Louie Taylor