2 Corinthians 2:1-5
New International Version
2 1 So I made up my mind that I would not make another painful visit to you. 2 For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 3 I wrote as I did, so that when I came I would not be distressed by those who should have made me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would all share my joy. 4 For I wrote you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you. Forgiveness for the Offender 5 If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely.
Monday - September 5
Imagine receiving a Christmas present from your spouse. They have put a lot of thought and effort into this gift. On Christmas morning they hand it to you and you unwrap the present. But instead of taking the present out of the box you say, “Wow! Thanks for this wonderful wrapping paper. I’ve never seen such nice wrapping paper before.” The power of the Gospel is not the wrapping paper of entertaining or engaging speech. The power of the Gospel is not the abilities of the preacher. The power of the Gospel is Jesus Christ crucified for your sins and raised to give you new life. Our faith is not dependent on the person telling us about Jesus. Faith is completely dependent on the power of God to forgive us and give us new life.