Week 36, Day 5
September 9, 2022 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13 “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All God’s people here send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:11–14) “Strive for full restoration.” As we wrap up this important letter, we are reminded of the important theme of new life in Jesus Christ. For Paul, we are unified in this new life and have new experiences of peace in community with one another. We are invited to strive for full restoration into this incredible life with God. Full restoration is a united life with God and his people. If we are considerate of our lives, we would recognize that there are parts of our lives that are not fully restored. There are at least two aspects of restoration. One would be our individual relationship with God. Paul has taken time to highlight that we are called to a holy and new life in Christ. Continuing in sin keeps us from full restoration with God. We should lay down our sin and pursue Christ. Paul’s spent a good deal of his letters dealing with sin in the church and the need for repentance. The other aspect is our relationship with one another. Full restoration with God also means a full restoration with the people of God. “Live at peace with everyone.” We are challenged to be of one mind. This is a call to unity with one another. Strive for full restoration with God and his people. How? If you haven’t gathered with fellow believers for worship in a while, maybe that’s the first step towards full restoration. If you haven’t prayed, or spent time seeking the heart of God, perhaps this is a nice first step towards restoration. For all of us, self-examination is of chief importance when it comes to full restoration. Who do I need to forgive? Whose forgiveness do I need to seek? Who can I pray for? How can I be of like mind with fellow believers? Examine your heart, seek restoration, peace and unity with God and your church family.
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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