Daily Devotional in II Corinthians 13

Daily Nugget:
Throughout First and Second Corinthians, Paul frequently mentions those that continually brought up something that was still bothering them. Again, it is mentioned in the preacher’s letter that some were still disputing if he were an apostle or not (vs. 3). I can imagine that among some, it was the topic of much gossip and backbiting in the Corinthian church. Many doubted if Paul actually saw the Saviour, that would qualify him as an apostle.

In his letter to them, Paul gives them some good advice that is useful when we have to deal with things that are said to us about others. That advice is to believe what we hear only if it can be established as fact by two or three witnesses (vs.1). That wisdom would silence quite a bit of gossip if it were applied.

Years ago, in a high school classroom, I dealt with an argument between several boys. The argument was because one was angry at another, because of something a third boy had “heard” said about him by the second boy.

Believing that it was unfounded gossip, I decided to track the trail of the traveling tale for the whole class to witness. I went to the upset boy and asked him who he had heard the accusation from. I then went to the second teenager and asked what he heard the angered boy say. He confessed that he did not hear the first boy say it, but was told about it from a third boy. I then went to that student, in front of the whole classroom, and asked that young man the same question. He too confessed that he did not witness what the boy said and admitted that he had heard it from another. Around the classroom I went tracking the story down, asking each receiver of the gossip what he had heard, and where he had heard it from.

After going to at least ten boys that the gossip had been passed around to, I finally came to the originator. He confessed that he had not really heard anyone say anything. He just “thought” the boy may have said it from the look on a boy’s face. All the gossip and hurt feelings were in vain. The damage was all done by one boy’s perception of what was said to another.


We all learned that day if we did not already know it, that no one should trust what is said about another. Unsubstantiated gossip is not trustworthy, yet so many believe it, and many are hurt by it. That is why Paul wisely told those in the Corinthian church, that when they hear something said about another, to make sure it really is the truth.

Today’s Thought: If someone is gossiping to you about another, they probably are gossiping about you when you are not around.

Today’s Reading: II Corinthians 13
1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
6 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
7 ¶ Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
10 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
11 ¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.
13 All the saints salute you.
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. (KJV)