Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.
His final instruction to the Corinthians were brief but packed in meaning.
- Rejoice- Paul said the same things to the Philippians, Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. Rejoicing should be my attitude for everyday no matter what it brings because my rejoicing is in the Lord.
- Restoration- If there is a problem, make it right. Don't let things slide. Don't carry hurts or offenses. Keep my conscience clear. It may not always happen, but as far as it involves me, I must shoot for restoration.
- Comfort- Paul began Chapter one with a similar but expanded version of this, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. I comfort others with the comfort that God has poured over me. In essence, God has created a cycle of comfort because of His love that has flooded our lives and hearts.
- Agree-Rom. 15:5-6 says, May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose for agreeing to to glorify the Father. Such an attitude of unity and harmony is a gift from the Father as well.
- Peace-Why peace? Because God is not the a God of confusion but of peace. He gives peace freely to His children and desires them to be at peace with one another.
- God be with you- The God of peace and love, two qualities that are essential to obey these final instructions. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...God's peace and love are the binding agents for the believers.
Thank You for reminding me of these essential qualities. Give me You grace, strength, love, and peace to live in right relationship with other believers.
In Jesus name,
Amen
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