II Corinthians 13

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves” (5). Paul was not shy about dealing with sin in the Christian community, yet he warned people (2) with the aim of leading them to repentance, not to condemn them. His spiritual authority was for “building up”, not tearing people down (10). There may have been “discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder” (12:20), but he believed that God was still at work in them.

“Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace”. Our failures are not the end; when we cooperate with Him, the “God of love and peace” continues to shape us into His image.