November 15, 2011 (Job 41-42; 2 Corinthians 1-2)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.” 2 Corinthians 2:4 NLT
Observation: The first letter Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church was pretty strong. He knew from the reports he had received that the situation had to be handled with spiritual strength. To be too passive could have yielded an improper result. Now in his second letter he is explaining to them just why he was so strong. It was because of his great love for them that he told them the truth in such a strong and persuasive way. He reveals to them that he was in great anguish, his heart was troubled and he shed many tears. Revealing this to them showed his compassion for them and the struggles they faced. Yet it also reinforced his original message that told them the truth in a mighty strong way.
Application: Sometimes telling those you love the truth is hard. When you love someone you desire to see them happy and blessed, not discouraged and burdened. Love is many things, but it’s not always easy. In our present day many desire to be in leadership. There are countless books and seminars that will “teach” a person how to “Lead”, yet I’ve struggled to find one that warns people of the hardships and heartbreaks that leaders endure. It doesn’t always work out the way it did for Paul. Often time’s leaders that fail to provide the desired outcome are cast aside and replaced by “more skilled” men that can get the job done. If Paul were to send a letter to the church today, how do you think it would be received? I believe the response from the church would be much different, and the outcome much less desired.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the men and women You have called to deliver truth no matter how much it hurts. Thank You for those that are faithful in spite of much anguish, heartache and many tears, to deliver the truth to those that need to hear it. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Give me wisdom to know what’s right and the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. In Jesus name, Amen!