Today’s scripture: 2 Cor 12:11-21 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
Oh, the blessings of fond childhood memories! One of the best for me was spending most of the summer at my grandparents’ farm near Farmer City, Illinois (what a great name for a town in the middle of farm country, eh?!). Sometimes, though, a problem would surface concerning my behavior; namely, I would tell a lie. It seems like, every time I did, my grandmother knew. So she would always say, “Now Stevie, are you storyin’ to me?” At that point, I knew she had me figured out!
Verses 20 and 21 are a bit of a parallel to my grandmother’s question. Paul, in effect, asks the Corinthians if they have been quarreling, slandering, gossiping, and acting selfishly, among other things. He also suspects that many had not repented of practicing sexual immorality. I’m guessing he had lots of evidence that indicated a high probability these behaviors had occurred, so he brought it up. It takes that kind of honesty in relationships — spousal, parent-child, counselor-client, and close friendships — if they are to be deep and meaningful.
For example, a few years ago, I suspected a dear friend of mine texted while driving. I felt a bit uncomfortable asking if he did, but the love of Christ compelled me (2 Cor. 5:14 NKJV). So I did ask, because in doing so I could possibly help save him — or an innocent pedestrian — from an accident, injury, or worse. And his honest answer was yes. He even admitted it was a bad habit, something he shouldn’t do. When I think back on our exchange, I see the great value of his honesty. Shame would have caused him to deny it, or to be defensive. Instead he was open and honest, and, because of that, we’ve been able to talk about it periodically since then. It took him awhile to get rid of the old habit and establish a new one, but he was successful. With the help of new technology, the only texting he does now while driving is voice-texting.
There are so many areas in which we can help each other. A friend of a friend used to simultaneously drink large amounts of alcohol while taking too many pain-relieving pills — another time which required honesty. And I recently kept forgetting to don a bicycle helmet before taking a ride, which my mother-in-law pointed out to me. We all need reminding of things like these at times.
Thought for the Day: May we have the courage to ask loved ones difficult questions about their conduct when needed. And may we also be open to the validity of difficult questions loved ones ask us.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.