Daily Reading // 2 Corinthians 11:16-21
READY // SILENCIO
Take a moment to quiet your mind and prepare your heart for your time with the Lord.
READ // LECTIO
Read the passage above up to threw times aloud. Allow yourself to feel the words as they are read.
REFLECT // MEDITATIO
Now direct your focus on the words, phrases concepts or sentences that got your attention. What is God speaking to you today through His word?
2 Corinthians 11:20 (NKJV) For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours [you,] if one takes [from you,] if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face.
We choose what we put up with, spiritually.
It is important to judge those who minister to us according to biblical standards. And especially not to accept spiritual abuse.
Spiritual abuse can take many forms. Through guilt and manipulation a spiritual abuser may try to take away your freedoms in Christ (bring you into bondage). A spiritual abuser may beat you down emotionally and spiritually (devour you).
Some spiritual abusers may require you to give to them excessively. They live in abundance while you live in poverty (takes from you). Some may even demand to be put up on a pedestal (exalts himself). Still other spiritual abusers degrade or even assault those they control (strikes you on the face).
Jesus did none of these things. Those who truly serve Jesus don’t either.
They take but don’t give. They demand but don’t serve. They say one thing but do another.
Beware of spiritual abusers.
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Jesus, Thank You for Your loving care for me. You took abuse in my place. I surrender fully to You. Amen.
Tomorrow’s reading -> 2 Corinthians 11:22-33
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