devotional post # 2176
2 Corinthians 6:6-8a
2Co 6:6 We serve with sincere loyalty, with understanding, with patience, with kindness, with the Holy Spirit, with genuine love;
2Co 6:7 with truthful speech, and with the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;
2Co 6:8a we serve when honored and dishonored, when accused and praised.
resume, line two
Paul continues his team’s resume here. He had pointed out that the team kept going in spite of hardships that they faced everywhere. Now he points out that they did this with personal and spiritual integrity. They were not pretending to represent God and make friends for him. They had the fruit of the Holy Spirit at work in their lives, and they demonstrated it. They also had the power of the Holy Spirit both for miracles and for the display of untainted holiness.
He also points out that the team’s testimony and service (diakonia) continued even if those whom they served refused to appreciate the service. In spite of dishonor and accusations, they kept serving.
LORD, give us ministries that reflect your holiness and your love, no matter how people respond to our service.