2 Corinthians 13:11 (CSB)
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.
The Apostle Paul was preparing for his third visit to Corinth, when writing this letter. He was concerned because the Corinthian church members were divided between themselves. They had moral issues and some believers had been listening to false teachers, and they were now questioning Paul’s apostleship. Paul wanted them to regain their spiritual health and to move away from the division they had caused between themselves. Paul is encouraging them to become mature in their ways, to agree between themselves, to be peaceful, to build each other up and to rejoice. Earlier in chapter 13, Paul warns them that when he visits, if he again finds them quarrelling and being unrepentant of their ways, he will not be lenient with them. Paul explains to them that by getting along with one another and stopping the quarrelling and the other issues they have, the God of love and peace will be with them.
Dear God,
We pray that we can be at peace with one another. That we can be encouraged by the Apostle Paul’s words. That we can build each other up and not tear each other down, and that we can be fully mature in our faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
