Note for 2024/05/23

‭2 Corinthians 2:1-17 KJV‬

[1] But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. [2] For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? [3] And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. [4] For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. [5] But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all. [6] Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. [7] So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. [8] Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. [9] For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things. [10] To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; [11] lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. [12] Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, [13] I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. [14] Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. [15] For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: [16] to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? [17] For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

https://bible.com/bible/1/2co.2.1-17.KJV

Today, I come to you, essentially torn between two poles that are both necessary. It is this, of warning, but also of hope. In prayer, I gained understanding, a new, that GOD permits so much in the hope that we will repent of our misdemeanors. This we do not have to be shown afresh, because we have the records of it in the Bible.

Yes, friends, these words, "and they repented not," written in the Book of Revelations; they trouble me deeply. I see it around me, and it has become my nature to test the things that trouble me, of what I see, in me. "Am I like that?" This has become a question that moves with me as a companion. What does it help that I write words to you, or consider things deeply; and I myself do not learn from it. Have I then not become a hypocrite?

Look here in this chapter, Paul says to forgive lest Satan gets an advantage of us. I don't know about you, but statements like that makes me stop and consider if I give Satan an advantage in me.

Sometimes in warning, the concern becomes so much that I may press hard on a matter. For I do not want any to be lost. And yet, I have read the Word, so have I learned of this common nature of man, hardheadedness and a reluctance to repent and forgive. Is this true for me too?

How much patience has The LORD had with mankind? How much time has He given to us to repent and come to our senses? All I can see is His mercy, even His love for us. And man, he seeks every occasion to sin, to gain a benefit from others, even every situation. Then I lament, I am filled with sorrow for the state of mankind. I weep, for as I read of Salvation, I have also read of the final judgment.

My heart is weak, my mind is filled with the horrors that will befall those that refuse to come to terms with God, in Christ. A free gift of Salvation, rejected by so many. We are so slow to learn and we forget too soon. Yet, is the LORD quick to forgive and full of compassion for His Creation. Tell me, how do I not weep? And when I fail myself, I am torn apart. Am I alone in this, since this is such a private matter, who but GOD would know it?

If we can forgive one another, and God can forgive us; can we forgive ourselves? Can we correct ourselves and move on with all intention not to err like that again? Is that not the nature of repentance? Does the enemy not take advantage of our weakness? Is that not the very moment when he comes to us with accusations? "Oh! You are in trouble now!" Is that not what rings in you? Is that then not in others too? Do unto others what you would have them do unto you. Does that count then? Is that not the very nature of compassion, and are those moments not when you need it most? So do others. What does our righteousness help if we cannot muster compassion for one another, and yet should we not permit evil to prosper. What is our struggle with then, is it not that which moves a man?

If man is then deceived by spiritual influence, when I fail, have I not been deceived too? Am I even aware of all my failures? Oh friends! We all need Christ Jesus for Salvation. He prayed, forgive them Father for they know not what they do. And when we know then... Do we stop? Do we repent? Or do we continue on in it, to save ourselves embarrassment and shame? Have we ourselves then not become the source of our own delusions? Do we lie to ourselves to survive here in this world?

Let that no longer be true for me. Christ has paid the price for sin. And, then I will try my best not to do more than that was of the load that He carried upon the cross. So yes! I weep and I lament, because it is man that stands in time. My sin, pinned on Him. Then, I do not want to error, not at all, I want to be perfect, even just for that purpose alone. May the Holy Spirit keep it fresh in my mind, that I may weigh my words and deeds against that remembrance. But, also, that I remember my grief when I stood in error and in guilt, that I may have compassion for others.

Friends, why do we do the things we do, and say the words we do? That must be on the scale too. Then, maybe, we can walk with the responsibility that is due. For there is no greater love than when a friend lays down his life for you.

Shalom

Bible Verse of the Day

(YouVersion)

‭2 Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV‬

[3] Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; [4] who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

https://bible.com/bible/1/2co.1.3-4.KJV

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