2 Corinthains 13:5-14

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. Not that people will see that we have stood the test but that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is for your perfection. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority - the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Finally brother, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

Great one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send their greetings.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Spiritual Checkup

The Corinthians were called to examine and test themselves to see if they really were Christians. We all get physical checkups regularly, in the same way Paul tells us to give ourselves spiritual checkups. If we are not taking active steps to grow closer to God, we are becoming lame and ineffective.

His farewell greetings are worthy of deeper reflection. He challenges them to do several things so that they would experience the love of God and his peace;

aim for perfection,

listen to his words,

be of one mind,

live in peace.

I have noted these 4 challenges in my bible as a reminder!