2 Corinthians 6:1-8a

“We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way:” vss. 3-4

We can’t be sure about what was going on in Corinth–all we have is a couple of letters written by Paul to address his concerns. But from what he says we can be pretty confident that he was getting some blowback from his old friends. Evidently there were some making every effort to undermine his work and standing. Paul wasn’t one to ignore such things, and responds with a rigorous defense of his record in ministry. He’s proud of what he’s done and shares with his opponents a long list of both his sufferings and his virtues. It’s a reminder that sometimes it’s worth defending our record against those who would criticize us. Sometimes, even when we do our best to live beyond reproach, people are going to get on our case. And even though there will be times when, like Jesus before Pilate, we don’t speak on our own behalf, occasionally, like Paul, we will mount a careful and spirited defense of what we’ve done. When that happens, hopefully rarely, it’s good to have lovingly lived as he did, always speaking the truth and being faithful to the message of grace. The Spirit will be with us in those moments and give us the words we need to defend the gospel against all who would destroy it.

Thought for the Day: A time when I defended a position I felt to be just!