2 Corinthians 13.1–13: Strength and weakness (Day 73)

Pray

Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.

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Exodus 25 John 4 Proverbs 1 2 Corinthians 13

Daily Reflection: 2 Corinthians 13

At the end of Paul's letter to the Corinthians, he moderates the fierceness of his tone towards them with expressions of loving care. He prays that they will be 'perfect' (verse 9) and blesses them (verse 13). He has been sharp with them, he says, so that they will learn better ways. And returning to his theme of apparent weakness and real strength, he takes the example of Christ himself, who was crucified in weakness but lives by God's power (verse 4). To look down on someone who is apparently weak – an unimpressive speaker, perhaps with an unpleasant physical condition, beaten, abused and imprisoned – is to look down on Christ himself.

It's impossible to over-state how important this perception has been in the history of the Church – and therefore of the world. In Paul's day, power and reputation were everything. But if God's greatest love and wisdom were seen through Christ crucified, those values were turned upside down. Suddenly, it was the victims – the 'weak' – who were most valuable. The Church has not always seen this, and at various times has been greedy for power. But it's still true that what we believe today about how people should be treated – fairly, with decent healthcare, food and shelter – springs from the gospel.

In a time when 'winning' – in politics, business or even through arguments on social media – is seen as everything, Paul's words remind us that God is much more interested in losers.

Pray

God, give me your heart for those the world neglects or despises. Help me to see that no one is worthless, and to be a channel of your grace to the world.