so i beg you to reaffirm your love for him. for this is why i wrote, that i might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything. [2 corinthians 2:8-9]
quick recap: paul is calling these believers to forgive one who had sinned deeply against the body. not only is he calling them to forgive the offender, he is calling them to bring him back into fellowship. and, to be clear about the call he adds this, “i beg you to reaffirm your love for him.”
what does it mean – “to reaffirm your love?”
it means – at some point they had loved him in the past. it means – this would require intentionality and pursuit. it means – they were being asked to be “obedient” to God and do something they could not do in their own will.
where is God asking you to do something you cannot do in your own will?
forgiving someone is outside of our own will. forgiving and loving them, is way outside our own will. where is God asking this of you?
please, use these questions to stir and focus your prayers today.
- where is God asking me to do something outside my own will?
- how can i press into my identity in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit in me to be joyfully obedient to God?
- will i be vulnerable and ask a brother/sister in Christ to pray and help me walk in this?
~ john ryan