Reading for Thursday, Oct 4: 2 Cor 13

This final chapter wraps up Paul’s letter. He speaks again of weakness — a surprising theme of the Gospel as Paul proclaims it. But weakness is never the final word for the God of all strength. “For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God,” (v4). This truth animates us forward in the strength of the Lord.

Verse 5 is one that stands out to me: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” The notion of examination, spiritual inventory, testing one’s faith — these are important and, I’m afraid, maybe a bit overlooked in our lives these days. Let’s take some time today to do a little “soul inventory”. How would you test (and grade!) yourself spiritually?

Finally, I love the words Paul shares in v11: “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.” That’s one I could hear over and over.

How about you? What are your thoughts on this chapter? This book?