2 Corinthians 6:8–10: By honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Was Paul wrong in appealing for their appreciation? I don’t think so. Too many churches are prone to take for granted the sacrificial ministry of pastors, missionaries, and faithful church officers. Paul was not begging for praise, but he was reminding his friends in Corinth that his ministry to them had cost him dearly. Of course, in all of this personal testimony, Paul was refuting the malicious accusations of the Judaizers. How much had they suffered for the people at Corinth? What price did they pay for their ministry? Like most “cultists” today, these false teachers stole another man’s converts; they did not seek to win the lost themselves. It has well been said, “If you want to find gratitude, look in the dictionary.” Are we showing gratitude to those who have ministered to us? 1
Personal Application
- Read 1 Corinthians 4:12-13. Have you ever realized the real cost behind real ministry? Someone pays the freight for you to receive the ministry of the word. Now you can pray for them with greater spiritual insight.
Godly Encouragement
- It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. –Psalm 118:8
A Biblical Thought to Share with Others
The best time to show gratitude is long before their funeral. – TWEET IT
A Prayer to Consider
Lord, thank You for the strength You give us, to do the work that You require.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
