“I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together. Great is my confidence in you; great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction” 2 Corinthians 7:3-4).
One of the things that seems to have diminished in current generations is a truthful exhortation one to the other. We are to speak to each other in truth and love. Not condemnation, but exhortation; that is, encouraging each other whether what we perceive is positive or negative in the word of the Lord. Do not be afraid to speak the truth, for if you can help, it is not condemnation.
Lord, teach me to speak truthfully in love. Help me to not see another as an adversary, but as a brother or sister. Help me to receive correction when needed and to be willing to give correction according to Your word as well. No matter the affliction, whether upon me, them, or us, let me be one to see the loving way to live through all circumstances in fellowship. You have called us to be one as You are One.
Lord Jesus, You perfectly loved and rebuked. You lead and we are to follow. Help me to learn the lessons that I may live more fully in this faith You have given me. Guide me according to Your principles to see as much of the whole as I can. Guide me to live Your precepts, carrying through with what You would have me do and become whom You are making me to be. Amen.
