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2 Corinthians 5:12
The Apostle Paul has been speaking of himself and his team as examples of a proper Christian life for those in the church at Corinth to follow. In 2 Corinthians 5:12 Paul wants his hearers to know that he is not bragging on himself and his ministry team as if they themselves possess the abilities to lead lives as such, but that it is a gift from God. Paul wants his hearers to know that there will be those who boast in themselves and their own capabilities, but it is for personal gain and not of a sincere heart to God.
This is a promise that there will be false teachers, but we will be able to clarify true teachers from false teachers through the sincerity of their hearts to God.
There are still many false teachers today who take a passage of the Bible and find a way to twist it into a lesson that teaches their own agenda. An easy way to clarify many false teachings today is by the use of the Bible to smear one another in attempts to prove one’s agenda over another; this is not what the Bible teaches as we read the words of Jesus in John 13:34-35 (NKJV), “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” And in Matthew 5:43-48 Jesus teaches, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” And in Romans 12:17-21 the Bible teaches us, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” [Deuteronomy 32:35] says the Lord. Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
for in so doing you will heap coals of
Fire on his head.” [Proverbs 25:21, 22]
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” We are to share the love of Christ Jesus with others that God first showed to us by grace in His mercy to us because for no other reason than that He loves us. It is His love the God desires to see in us; let the love of God flow through your life that by doing so, you may lead others to Jesus.
Dear LORD,
We love You and we thank You for first showing us Your great love for us that we too may reflect Your love through our lives to others in doing our part to share the gospel message of salvation in and through Christ Jesus whom You sent to save the world from sin. Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.