2 Corinthians 12:14-13:14.  Paul had visited Corinth two times: once to plant churches there, and then for a “painful visit” in which he had to make judgments and set right wrong behavior.  He is planning a third visit, and wants it to be a positive one, but (as his letter indicates) there are still problems that must be dealt with. He encourages the churches to obey his instructions so that when he returns he does not have to be harsh to them. His prayer and his goal is restoration (13:9), and he encourages the Corinthians to make that their aim as well (13:11). The word restoration suggests an end to the divisions that are crippling the church (1 Cor. 1:10), but it goes beyond that. It suggests repair toward usefulness, like the mending of a net (Matt. 4:21).  Paul sought unity in Corinth for the gospel’s sake.

LORD, help us to restore our unity in you, so that we can together share your gospel with a needy world.