Scripture

2 Corinthians 13:9b-11 ESV

Your restoration is what we pray for. For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not tearing down. Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Consider

If we believe God has a particular plan for each of us, then we also accept that our circumstances and relationships are not random. God appoints us to selected arenas of human interaction: the workplace, school, friendships, and intimate relationships. In every case we are not only light-bearers of God’s truth but also ministers of restoration.

Our sacred assignment is building up and not tearing down the people in our sphere of influence. Biblically speaking, building up is not boosting another’s self-esteem, as our Western culture might suggest. Rather, it means helping others to know and claim their God-given value. It may require puncturing an inflated ego or exposing lies of worthlessness in order to bring someone to a true sense of humility and dignity as the image-bearer of a loving and creative Father.

In his letter Paul names five action steps to guide believers in this ministry:

• Rejoice. Begin with gratitude. Thank God for entrusting you with this opportunity to do good to someone God loves. Look for something positive in the person and the relationship that you can celebrate.
• Aim for restoration. Set aside your personal agenda and focus on what God’s rule of love would look like in this situation. Where there is division, seek reconciliation if possible. Forgive and ask for forgiveness.
• Comfort one another. When tempted to blame or criticize, offer kindness and compassion instead. Look for suffering that may lie beneath another’s rude, angry, or destructive behaviors. Remember your own sorrows and weaknesses so you can offer comfort as one who understands.
• Agree with one another. Look for common ground and set a goal of being “with” rather than “against” the other person. Acknowledge what you can affirm in him or her. When necessary, speak a painful truth gently and respectfully.
• Live in peace. Never be the source of a quarrel. Live out your calling without compromise but also without condemnation of others who don’t share your beliefs. Be the safe person with whom others know they can be real.

As we strive to bring love and peace to our relationships, God promises to work with us toward that same end. Applying these five action steps opens us to supernatural help as the Holy Spirit supplies the love, desire, wisdom, and courage we need to pursue God’s holy purpose for us.

Pray

Heavenly Father, I believe you have placed certain people in my life for a holy purpose. Help me to honor this sacred assignment and pursue the peace and love that touches hearts and transforms live. Open my life to your Spirit and use me to help restore others to right relationship with themselves, with others, and with You.

Reflect

Romans 1:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Ponder

Is there a sacred assignment in my life for which I need God’s supernatural grace and assistance?