Devotion 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. Here it is mentioned in the preacher’s letter that some were still disputing if he were an apostle (II Corinthians 13:3). I can imagine that it was the topic of much accusations and gossip in the Corinthian church. Many doubted if Paul saw the Saviour, which qualified him as an apostle.

In his letter to them, Paul gives them some wise advice that is useful when dealing with things that are said to us about others. That wisdom is to believe what we hear only if it can be established as a fact by two or three witnesses (II Corinthians 13:1). That wisdom would silence quite a bit of gossip if it were applied.

Years ago, I dealt with several boys' argument in a high school classroom. The heated discussion was started because of something a boy had “heard” said about him from another. 

Believing that it was unfounded gossip, I tracked the trail of the traveling tale for the entire class to witness. I went to the upset boy and asked him who he had heard the accusation. After identifying that messenger, I then went to that teenager and asked what he heard the boy say. He confessed that he did not hear the first boy say it, but was told about it from a third boy. 

In front of the whole classroom, I then went to that student 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 gossip what he had heard and from where he heard it.

After going to at least ten boys that the gossip had been passed from, I finally came to the originator. He confessed that he had heard no one say anything. He just “thought” the boy may have said it from the look on the boy’s face. All the gossip and hurt feelings were in vain. The damage was all done because of one boy’s perception of what was said to another.  We all learned that day 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 is the truth.

Today’s Thought: 
“If someone is gossiping to you about another, they most likely talk about you when you are not around.”

Words to Understand:
Reprobates: people who rejects biblical morality, sometimes after previously knowing what the Bible says is right

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.