devotional post # 2163

2 Corinthians 4:1-4

2Co 4:1 For this reason, since we are serving by the mercy of God, we do not give up.
2Co 4:2 But we have renounced shameful, corrupt ways. We refuse to trick people or to tamper with God’s word, but by openly stating the truth we reccommend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.
2Co 4:3 And even if our gospel is covered by a veil, it is veiled only to those who are perishing.
2Co 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded those unbelievers’ minds, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the brightness of Christ, who displays the image of God.

openly stating the truth

Paul’s missionary strategy was openly stating the truth. He suffered a great deal during his ministry, but he refused to hide that fact. His opponents in Corinth used his troubles against him, claiming that he could not be blessed by God, since he was always in trouble. But Paul believed that the gospel about Christ is what matters, not the prosperity or peace of its messengers.

LORD, show us how to proclaim your truth openly, in spite of our current circumstances.