Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 10Sample

I believe that many of us will be able to relate to today’s content and context of 2 Corinthians 10. Paul wrote this at a time when many people were against him. They were saying very harsh things against him – calling him a hypocrite and a coward. Paul didn’t even disagree with all of their statements. Who can you relate to in this story? The critical one – pointing out hurtful comments regarding people’s way of doing things, or are you Paul, having to experience people speaking so negatively about you? The false Apostles and critics basically accused Paul of being too unimpressive in person and that he couldn’t truly be an Apostle of God.

This is why today’s verse is so significant, for it tells us that only God can truly make us right, praiseworthy and pleasing. To commend something means to make it acceptable or pleasing, and we just do not have the capacity to do this. Only God can make us suitable and pleasing by the work of the Holy Spirit. And then God "approves", which means he accepts us as satisfactory.

To familiarize yourself with this concept, ask yourself these questions:

What negative opinions of myself can I let go of and allow God to tell me His divine opinion about me?

Where am I trying to live my life by other people’s opinions of me? Bring it before the Lord and release yourself from that pressure.