February 21 | 2 Corinthians 13:11
- Todd Marti
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Relationship
By Todd Marti
Today’s reading continues to address a topic discussed over the past two days: relationships within the church. God wants the church to be a delivery system for His love. But, because it is made up of imperfect people, conflicts and social awkwardness sometimes impede that. These readings lay out some principles for getting past those impediments.
Thursday’s reading, particularly Romans 15:1-2 and 4-6, told us that we should bear with each other’s weaknesses and seek their good. It also told us that we should focus on what we have in common. Yesterday’s reading, James 5:8-9, told us to be patient with each other and not to complain.
Today’s reading provides more instruction. It tells us to “rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NASB, emphasis added). Let’s break those instructions down by looking at the meaning of the Greek underlying the italicized words:
- To “rejoice,” meant to take pleasure or delight in something. We should seek to enjoy each other’s company, looking for opportunities to be together.
- To “be made complete” meant to make something what it ought to be, to repair it. This tells us to make the effort to make our relationships better.
- To “be comforted” meant to call to one side, to reach out to another. This tells us that we should take the initiative to develop new relationships and deepen existing ones.
- To be “like minded” had two meanings. One was to direct one’s attention to a thing, to focus on it, to seek or strive for it. Another was to be well disposed towards something. Those meanings suggest that we should be intentional about seeking relationships within the church and to focus on things we have in common.
- To “live in peace” meant to cultivate or keep peace and to seek reconciliation when peace is strained. This too calls us to be intentional about our relationships with others in the church.
The context of the instructions in today’s reading adds depth to them. They were made in a letter addressing strained relationships. That indicates that God wants us to do these things even—indeed especially—if our relationships are under stress.
The common theme of all the instructions discussed above is that we should make intentional efforts to build, sustain, and savor our relationships within the church. That takes real effort and feels awkward sometimes, but is well worth it. As today’s reading tells us, “the God of love and peace will be with” us if we do these things. My experience is consistent with that; the joy and love that flow from my church-based relationships are palpable.
So how do we get there?
The instructions discussed above give us specific directions for enhancing our existing relationships. We—and the folks we are already in relationship with—will be blessed if we are diligent in following them.
The number and nature of our relationships can be grown by getting involved in the opportunities to serve within and adjacent to UALC. I know I have made this point several times before, but it bears repeating: God rewards us with new, rich, relationships when we serve. Some of those opportunities are discussed here, here, here, and here. God is offering us a buffet of rich relationships through service; we should dig in.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the wonderful things you desire to give us through your church. Help us do the things we need to do to give and receive those blessing by helping us to strengthen and increase our relationships within your church. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TODD MARTI
I have been connected to UALC since 2000 in various small groups and as a co-manager of the UALC Community Garden. I’m married to Kelly Marti, and the proud father of Sarah Marti. I am happy to be writing these devotions.
An answered prayer of direction in this. Thank u