Verse

Theme

2 Cor. 1:3-4   Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.

Our experience of adversity and suffering can be a resource for others.

2 Cor. 1:12   Indeed, this is our boast, the testimony of our conscience: we have behaved in the world with frankness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God – and all the more toward you.

Transparency will convince others that our motives are pure.

2 Cor. 1:24   I do not mean to imply that we lord it over your faith; rather, we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand firm in the faith.

Leadership involves service that increases others’ joy.

2 Cor. 2:12-13   When I came to Troas to proclaim the good news of Christ, a door was opened for me in the Lord; but my mind could not rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said farewell to them and went on to Macedonia

Healthy relationships should be high on our priority list.

2 Cor. 2:17   We are not peddlers of God's word like so many; but in Christ we speak as persons of sincerity, as persons sent from God and standing in his presence.

Integrity demands utmost sincerity.

2 Cor. 3:1-2, 5-6   Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Surely we do not need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you or from you, do we? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Outward trappings of success do not guarantee competence and integrity.

2 Cor. 4:1-2   Since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart. We have renounced the shameful things that one hides; we refuse to practice cunning or to falsify God's word; but by the open statement of the truth we commend ourselves to the conscience of everyone in the sight of God.

Our conduct should be so irreproachable that we never fear scrutiny.

2 Cor. 4:5   We do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake.

Leadership means exercising authority for others’ good.

2 Cor. 4:7-11   We have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh.

If we portray ourselves as stronger than we really are, we lose the opportunity to point to the real source of our strength.

2 Cor. 5:10   All of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil.

How we conduct ourselves matters to God.

2 Cor. 6:11, 7:2   We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you… Make room in your hearts for us; we have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one.

Transparency will offer proof of integrity.

2 Cor. 7:4, 14   I often boast about you; I have great pride in you…. For if I have been somewhat boastful about you to Titus, I was not disgraced; but just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting to Titus has proved true as well.

We should not be sparing in our praise of others’ work.

2 Cor. 8:7   Now as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you – so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.

Growing generosity is a sign of growing faith.

2 Cor. 8:10-11   In this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something – now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means.

We should keep our commitments in a timely fashion

2 Cor. 8:13-15   I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, "The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little."

Believers who are well off are responsible to help those who are in need.

2 Cor. 9:8-11   God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.

If we use or resources to meet the needs of others, God promises to take care of us.

2 Cor. 10:12, 18   We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense… For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved, but those whom the Lord commends.

We should measure ourselves by the Lord’s standards and seek only his commendation.

2 Cor. 12:9-10   The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

God is glorified when we bear up under adversity.

2 Cor. 12:14   Here I am, ready to come to you this third time. And I will not be a burden, because I do not want what is yours but you; for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children.

We should work toward financial independence in order to be in a position to help others.

2 Cor. 13:11   Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

A few simple guidelines will insure peace.