“Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?” (2 Corinthians 11:7 )
Can you imagine having the apostle Paul as a pastor? When we think of Paul we think of the “perfect pastor” whom everyone loved and yet, (2 Corinthians 11) paints a different story. In this powerful, yet sad chapter, Paul is forced to defend himself against people in the church who were coming against him.
There were those in the church in Corinth who were saying that Paul was only in it for the money (even though he did not receive anything from them), and there were people in that church that saw him as a lesser teacher because he did not ask for support in sharing the message of Jesus. In the end, Paul could not win. Why did Paul NOT receive funds from them? Because they acted like they didn’t want to give, like they couldn’t afford to give, and acted like they shouldn’t have to give. They could have sown into Paul’s ministry and shared the benefits and blessings but because of their selfishness, they missed a glorious opportunity. Paul knew this and yet, he loved them anyway. He spoke Truth in love, hoping that they would see the Truth. So, it is with our lives. There are times we will speak the Truth in love and others will not listen. If they don’t, love them through it and allow the Lord to use your gentle witness to impact their life forever.
“some people won’t hear, some people won’t recognize the sacrifice and gift, some people will slander you while others wish to kill you. But don’t stop trying because some will hear and be reached.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, There are people in my life that I struggle with. No matter how hard I try or how much love I freely give to them, they continually cause me to wonder why. Help me to be a loving witness of Your love to them. Give me opportunities to share the truth in love while being sensitive and patient with the work of Your Holy Spirit. Also, if I am the issue, please help me to be aware of it so that I can bring it to You. Thank You for allowing me to continue this ministry without ever being paid or ever asking for donations. Thank you for allowing me to bless others whit what I have earned by my labor. Lord open their eyes to the blessing and that it is a gift and not owed to them. Thank You for keeping me through the trials when people say and write hateful things, judge me and verbally attack me for sharing your truth of love. I ask that you continue to bless me with a job I love You Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Don’t know Jesus? Give Him a try, if you dont like Him, the devil will always take you back.
Jesus, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus’ precious name Amen.
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Rob Lavallee
Scriptural Seeds Ministries