just as you did partially understand us—that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you. [ 2 cor 1:14]
“just as you did partially understand us”
once again we see how paul is aware and feeling the misunderstanding and the discord that is happening amongst the corinthians. paul does not passive-aggressively deal with what is happening. he knows that he has taught them the truth. now he calls them out saying they have not fully understood what he has shared with them. the gospel has been clouded from view in some of them. there is division and discord happening and paul is not afraid to let them know. God calls us to reconciliation. God reconciles us to him, but as we are on this side of Jesus’ return. we have a part to play in the reconciliation with our brothers and sisters.
“that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you”
paul desires this, wants this for his fellow believers. why else would he even write this letter after they have shown him obvious distrust and discord. he recognizes that the fight that he is fighting for is not only unity with them today, but unity for eternity when Jesus returns. this is no small deal to paul, or else he would have given up before the first letter.
we live with our eyes focused on Jesus, our goal is to remember the day of his return in all we do.
but on that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. [matthew 24:36]
behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. even so. amen. [revelation 1:7]
watch, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. [matthew 25:13]
keeping our eyes fixed upon this day, understanding it can come at any moment, do you have discord with someone? is there a fellow believer whom you need to go to in good conscience and humility and talk? really talk? are you the one who needs to be talked too?
do not wait. his presence is so much clearer when we obey Him and love each other even in the conflict.
~ holly russell