LOVE THAT CHALLENGES US TO GROW - by Karena Lout

This past Saturday, we continued our journey through the book of 2nd Corinthians. In chapter 1:23-24, Paul decides not to go to Corinth to confront them because he was working on reconciling with them. He previously made a “painful visit” where he rebuked the Corinthians about their sin and behaviors. But Paul quickly learns that he only has as much favor to speak into their lives as they had trust and relationship with him.

As Paul is learning how to lead, he realizes he doesn’t want to rule over the Corinthians or manage their behaviors, but to empower them and come alongside as a loving leader would. Punishment focuses on sin, but Jesus is much more interested in the condition of our heart. He came to heal us wholeheartedly. Our poor choices are often symptoms of deeper pain. As we trust Jesus to heal the areas of wounding in our heart, we begin to live in a way that lines up with who we truly are.
 
The next part of Paul’s letter addresses a man in their community who caused a lot of chaos and pain. The man has repented and is seeking to be restored. Paul encourages the Corinthians to release forgiveness to him since being ostracized was punishment enough.
 

“I am joined to you; your forgiveness is my forgiveness.
The favor reflected in the face of Christ is our only valid reference to true forgiveness anyway.”
2 Corin. 2:10 (Mirror)

 
Forgiveness doesn’t mean our pain is dismissed. It’s letting go of the tight grip we’re holding onto of the person who hurt us. It’s releasing the person (or people) to Jesus. His way is so much better than ours. It’s His mercy he has given to us that empowers us to forgive. The Hebrew and Aramaic concept for mercy is deeply connected to the root word for “womb,” our innermost being. That place of nurture, protection and new life is living inside each one of us. It’s not something we have to strive for.

I pray you will receive Jesus’ mercy and grace for yourself in a new way. And as you do that, I pray you will extend it to those Holy Spirit highlights to you.
 
With love, Karena

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