Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” vs. 15
2 Corinthians 4:13-15
Paul had endured significant suffering in the course of his ministry to the Gentiles. There had been numerous beatings and imprisonments and his body had been worn down–he’d been rejected even by those he’d considered friends. But he never gave up! When he was released from prison in one city, he headed out to preach the gospel in another. As he explains to the congregation in Corinth, he had done everything for their sake, so that more and more people might know the fullness of grace, and give thanksgiving to God. Not all folks have that degree of dedication–many don’t have the endurance and tolerance for rejection that Paul had. We prefer comfortable pews in which to practice our faith, and do our best to be nice to everyone. But thank God for people like Paul, heroes of the faith, who persevere against all odds and give their lives for the sake of the gospel. It’s because of their dogged determination that grace has taken root in our hearts and we know the good news of God’s inclusive and sacrificial love. And their work isn’t over. Even today, all over the world, bold and loving men and women are working for peace, even risking their lives so that justice might abound. They are God’s special gift to humanity!
Thought for the Day: How do I deal with rejection?
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