Saturday, August 8, 2026

Scripture

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith.  Test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test!” 2 Corinthians 13:5

Reflections

Those who think the Christian faith is all about “me and Jesus” miss out.  The Spirit of Jesus is most powerfully experienced within community.

When we think of the Spirit of Jesus Christ dwelling within us, we picture the Spirit mysteriously hidden somewhere within our individual being.  It is true that we have our own personal relationship with God.  But the image we find within the scriptures is within the context of community.  When we read that “Jesus Christ is in you” in 2 Cor. 13:5, we remember that the Greek word for “you” is really plural; “y’all”.

The Spirit of Jesus Christ is experienced within community.  Jesus gives us an example in Matthew 18.  If one person sins against another, the one who feels wronged is called to make things right.  Reconciliation and forgiveness are the first order of business.  When that happens, we experience the presence of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Love and forgiveness flow when the followers of Jesus follow the ways of Jesus.  Wrongs are made right.  Healing takes place.  Those are the kinds of things that Jesus does.  It doesn’t happen in isolation.  If you want a powerful experience of the living Jesus Christ, spend time with people who are following the ways of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for my experience of you through my brothers and sisters in the faith.  Help me to faithfully live in your ways as a part of your chosen people.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:5-13