Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:1-6
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 4 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. 5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Devotion
Paul is reacting to some false prophets who are coming into Corinth with letters of recommendation (possibly forged) that they are knowledgeable and that their teaching should be heeded. Paul asks if he needs this and answers his question by saying that they are his letter of recommendation. That everyone can see by how they are now living their lives that they are changed people devoted to the living God.
So today we should ask ourselves, what do others see when they see us living our lives. Do they see someone who is loving and caring, who helps others without complaining, who is generous and grateful? Does the fruit of the spirit show through us to others? Or are we argumentative, hateful, gossiping, vengeful, divisive, negative?
Paul says that we are a new creation in Christ (2 Co 5:17). We are no longer slaves of our sinful nature but are being led by the Holy Spirit in us. Paul says at the end of this passage that the Spirit gives life. You may not feel like a new creature. But think back a few years and consider who you were and what you were struggling with. Do you see progress? Have you learned from the teachings on Sunday and from the leading of the Spirit to live a life that is different and that others see has changed?
I believe that many of us can say yes. For you, the Spirit wants more for you. He wants the best, continued growth to be even more like Christ. Boldness and compassion. If you can’t say that you have changed and want to grow, ask the Lord to help you. The Spirit of God wants to give you life abundantly. Take the time this week to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and He will show you how to make your life “a letter from Christ.”
Prayer
Dear Lord, please help me to listen and follow your Spirit more this week. I want to be like you. I want others to find you by seeing your light through me. Help me to start this week to listen for your promptings and to follow the path you lay out for me. Thank you that you love me so much.
Author: Brad Dunn
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