Forgiveness and Knowing Our Imperfections

When I first read 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 I am going to be completely honest with you, I had absolutely no clue as to what the heck Paul was saying.  If you haven’t read it, I suggest you do.  Read it once, twice, maybe three times and you still, most likely won’t understand what he is saying.  So I had to ask God again, “Are You sure that this is what you want my devotional to be about today, Lord?”  Of course He said “yes”.  So I did some research (yes, internet research) and read an article that explained exactly what I was having trouble understanding in these verses.  What Paul is saying here is that, he is flaky. Woh!  Paul, the Great Follower of Jesus Christ Himself, has admitted to being flaky?  Why?  Why would Paul admit it?  I know I sure wouldn’t, especially in a letter to a bunch of people.  But the cool thing here is that Paul is a sinner.  At one point in 1 Corinthians 16 Paul had told them of his plans to see them (the Corinthians) but it wouldn’t happen for a while.  But when they got the letter they didn’t like it (most likely they didn’t want to wait to see him) so Paul came almost immediately.  The visit didn’t go well but he still promised he would be back again soon.  But instead he sent a letter when he was supposed to come.  So now in 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing his fourth letter.  He begins to address his lack of consistency in word and action.  Let me tell you why I love this: because Paul points out his own flaws and doesn’t make up excuses.  That is something we all need to take for ourselves, especially as Christians.  I think a lot of times we are quick to judge other people’s wrongs and don’t admit, even to ourselves, that we have our own issues that need some addressing.  I am definitely speaking for myself here.  I remember there was a girl that I knew through a friend that was struggling with finding her true identity.  She went to church but I don’t think she truly knew how loved she was by the Savior.  So anyways, she got pregnant and was continuing to live the lifestyle she had been living (parties, etc.).  I knew exactly what she was going through because I, myself had done the same.  But I didn’t respond with love.  I responded with quick judgments and scornful hate for what she was doing.  I don’t know exactly what she was going through because I never brought myself back down to her same level.  I lived in this “oh, I know it’s wrong because I did it, but now I don’t,” kind of level (if that makes any sense).  One time I saw her at Underground (she was still pregnant)and I really felt the Lord telling me I needed to ask for forgiveness from her.  I am going to be completely honest with you, I have never asked for forgiveness from anyone.  I know, that’s really crazy, but it’s true.  So, I did.  I went up to her and it was like the words couldn’t come out of my mouth.  I stuttered and stammered but I finally said, “I am so sorry for the way I have treated you.”  She couldn’t look at me.  I felt as though my heart had been so heavy, for so long and it was finally lifting.  I hugged her and her friend that was with her.  I don’t know what she felt like afterwards, because I never saw her again.  I do know that I was being obedient to the Lord and I could now point in the direction of Christ to her and others like her.  What I am trying to say in this very long, very personal devotion is that WE HAVE ALL FALLEN SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.  What that means is, I do not deserve to go to Heaven after that, but Christ died for that.  He died for my sin and He died for your sin, so you can be with Him someday.  He does want us to reconcile with people that we have wronged, though.  But think of the testimony it would have on your life and on that other person.  I hope today we can remember that we don’t have to live like we are perfect but we can know that Christ is perfect and that His promises stand firm. 

“Christ says “Yes” to all of God’s promises. That’s why we have Christ to say “Amen” for us to the glory of God. ²¹ And so God makes it possible for you and us to stand firmly together with Christ. God is also the one who chose us ²² and put his Spirit in our hearts to show that we belong only to him.” 2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (CEV)