Daily Reading // 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
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 three 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 2:8 (NKJV) Therefore I urge you to reaffirm [your] love to him.
In this particular case, one from among their community required some correction. He had gone off the rails and received some strong words from the Apostle Paul. He responded well and was back on track.
Paul wisely recognized that this person would need to be reaffirmed by the community.
It’s easy to misinterpret correction as hatred. When discipline comes we imagine we are no longer loved. “I blew it. They’re mad and they don’t love me anymore.” That’s why the writer of Hebrews has to remind us God only chastens those He loves, like a loving father.
Correction or discipline shows care, not the lack of it.
It’s not only correction. There are other good reasons to reaffirm your love to others: Difficult seasons; Tough circumstances; even just the passage of time. Today is a good reminder to reaffirm your love.
Don’t be like the old guy whose wife said he should tell her that he loves her once in a while. He said, “I already told you once. If that changes I’ll let you know.”
Love needs to be communicated again and again. Love should be affirmed and reaffirmed on a consistent basis. Especially when something happens that may make someone question it.
As a loving parent holds a child after correction and says, “I love you”, reaffirming love should always be part of the discipline or correction process.
RESPOND // ORATIO
Pray in response to what the Lord has spoken to you.
Father, You reaffirm Your love to me everyday in Your Word, by Your Holy Spirit, and through Your provision and goodness to me. I receive Your affirmation today. Amen!
Tomorrow’s reading -> 2 Corinthians 2:12-17