June 24th, 2022

2 Corinthians 6:1-10

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation. We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonour, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Reflection.  Two areas to think about. 
The first is that 'now is the time of God’s favour.' What an extraordinary idea.  Let that flow through your thinking today. Now, right now, is the time of God’s favour. 
The second is people's views of Paul and his friends, perhaps even of us, is not always accurate. Folk may talk the church down and may speak ill of us when that is undeserved. God’s favour rests on us. That favour is shown in Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Prayer. May we know we stand in the time of God's favour. May we give thanks and be joyful. In Jesus's name. Amen.
​