2 Corinthians 10:9–11: Lest I seem to terrify you by letters. “For his letters,” they say, “are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.” Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present.
How a Christian uses authority is an evidence of his spiritual maturity and character. An immature person swells as he uses his authority, but a mature person grows in the use of authority, and others grow with him. The wise pastor, like the wise parent, knows when to wait in loving patience and when to act with determined power. It takes more power to wait than to strike. A mature person does not use authority to demand respect, but to command respect. Mature leaders suffer while they wait to act, while immature leaders act impetuously and make others suffer. The false teachers depended on “letters of recommendation” for their authority, but Paul had a divine commission from heaven. The life that he lived and the work that he did were “credentials” enough, for it was evident that the hand of God was on his life. 1
Personal Application
- Read 2 Corinthians 1:12. How should simplicity, sincerity, and grace be the badge of your Christianity?
Godly Encouragement
- My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. –1 Corinthians 2:4
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
Spiritual simplicity is more powerful than a hyped-up spiritual performance. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, Your approval of me is all the reference I need.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.