“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 ESV).
Paul’s final instructions in his second letter to the Corinthians sought to correct the disharmony he had heard about. They were not submissive to his authority, they were spiritually immature, they struggled with grumbling and gossip. In this condition, the God of love and peace would refuse to be manifest in their midst.
When a church is marked by such things as the one in Corinth, the word, “Ichabod” (Hebrew: “No glory”), may as well be written over it. For the glory of God will not reside in such a gathering. It “grieves” (Eph. 4:30) the Spirit of God when His people are not acting in unity and love.
Church, do you want the God of love and peace to shine His glorious light down upon you? Do you seek the presence of God in your fellowship? Then heed Paul’s final words to the believers in Corinth.
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us for grumbling when we should be rejoicing. Forgive our tendency to gossip and complain. Lead us to be reconciled in all things to You and to one another, so that Your love and peace are manifest in us. In Jesus’ name, amen.