Bible Study August 29, 2024
2 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV)
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you.”
There is a lot wrapped up in this one verse. Aim for restoration how many times do you see unrest and families in conflict? If we have harmed someone we are to go to them and make amends – don’t tell someone else – tell the person then be restored.
Comfort one another. Many times while leading GriefShare people have told me things said to them that hurt rather than heal. We want to help; we want to say something but sometimes it is not comforting – maybe “I’m sorry” will suffice.
Agree with one another. There are some things we agree on and some we do not. As an example we cannot agree that sin is all right we need to take a stand. I believe Paul is saying here that you can agree even though we have differing opinions. In most cases there can be a point of agreement without compromise.
Live in peace. Do not create conflict but bring peace to one another. Speak kind words that do not agitate a person. Be intentional in all you do to bring peace to a troubled person, throw water on the fire not gasoline.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The “holy kiss” could have many meanings, including: It could imply that all believers are equally loved and accepted, and that no elite groups exist. It could represent humility between rich and poor. It could represent love that welcomes and desires to serve the person being greeted.
“Although it is true we will never achieve a sinless perfection until we reach heaven, this should never keep us from striving ana saying with Fanny Crosby, “Take the world, but give me Jesus.” Kenneth W Osbeck.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 