2 Corinthians 3

In this age, the distance between us and those we want to communicate with is drastically reduced, thanks to the internet.

In Paul's time, it was quite the opposite! The delay between communication was huge! Maybe Paul would have been more in the know about the situation in Corinth. But maybe that would have caused problems with the relationship between Paul and this troubled church.

Often we need time to think and reflect and pray, not just a quick-type response.

The tearful letter of Paul and the Promise of God

In chapter 2, Paul mentions another letter he wrote to them that caused great grief. It is clear that the letter was hard for him to write due to it's strong rebuke of the Corinthian church, and his refusal to visit them.

This had caused some people in the church to stop trusting Paul's integrity. Yet the reason Paul hadn't visited was so that he didn't make things worse between them!

Paul and the Corinthians did not need another painful interaction but a time where they could cool off in order to pick up back in a better place in their relationship. Paul was in real emotional pain about this whole situation.

Often in churches there are complex issues that cause real tension between a church and it's leadership. In those times it's better to pause, reflect, and pray about the issues in order to solve them. Churches are often very messy affairs to navigate. Fortnately Paul highlights 3 key principles the hang on to.

Give the benefit of the doubt ?

The Corinthians did not give Paul the benefit of the doubt. They listened to his critics instead of what they knew about Paul having had Him live among them for a long time.

Paul's concern was that their doubt in him would lead to a doubt in the Gospel he shared with them.

Believe that God is faithful ?

In Jesus, God shouts "yes!" to all His promises to Israel and the world. In His death and resurrection that shout is the loudest. That was Paul's gospel.

If you are a believer in Jesus, you have the Spirit of Jesus in you. The ultimate "yes!" that God will be faithful.

Make room for grace

Paul's other reason for not visiting was not for his reputation, but love for them that they might rely on God's grace alone to strengthen them. He made room between him and them so grace could fill the gap.

When we are in those times of great complexity we need to stop and make room for grace to come in. And with that comes forgiveness where it is needed. Forgiveness lets us release the one who has offended us and give them to God. It allows us to move them aside and see the real enemy - the devil - in the situation. Then we can, with God's strength, deal with him interfering in our church.

The personal letter of Christ and the glory of God

Paul says in chapter 3 that his credentials as a witness to God's grace are in those whose lives had been changed by the gospel He had brought with him everywhere.

Our faith should be open and public so that they might be read and see that God's grace truly is good news. How public is your Christian faith?