2 Corinthians 13 Devotional

Weak in Him, Alive with Him

“For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. For we are also weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him concerning you.”2 Corinthians 13:4 (BSB)

Paul is coming a third time and will not spare those who keep sinning (13:1-2). Some have demanded proof that Christ speaks through him. Paul's answer points to the cross. Christ was crucified in weakness but now lives by God's power, and his servants, weak in him, will live with him by that same power (13:3-4).

Then Paul turns the test around. Rather than examining him, the Corinthians should examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith, and remember that Jesus Christ is in them (13:5). He prays that they will do right even if he seems to fail, glad to be weak while they are strong (13:7-9). The letter urges them to rejoice, aim for harmony, encourage one another and live in peace, promising that the God of love and peace will be present with them (13:11). Its last words commend them to the grace of Christ, God's love, and the Spirit's fellowship (13:14). On that ground, honest self-examination need not end in despair.

To think about: As you look honestly at your own life, how do the grace of Christ and the love of God make it safe to look?