Friday, May 1, 2026

Scripture

“I do not mean to imply that we lord it over your faith; rather, we are workers with you for your joy, because you stand firm in the faith.” 2 Corinthians 1:24

Reflections

Faith cannot be forced.  It must come from within.

Parents may hope that their children would trust in God, but they cannot force them to.  Grandparents may hope to see their grandchildren confirmed, but they cannot make them do it.  A person may share the good news of Jesus Christ with another, but they cannot make the other person embrace it and trust in it.

The Apostle Paul went to the people of Corinth, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He worked with them and encouraged them, but he could not make them follow Jesus.

Yet once a person embraces Jesus Christ, it becomes a wonderful thing.  No longer does one come as an “outsider” speaking the faith “at” another.  It becomes a matter of one person in the faith helping along another person in the faith.  In God’s eyes, there is no superior or inferior, each are valued followers of Jesus growing in his ways.

This is the joyous life of living under Jesus Christ.  It is not something that can be forced or coerced.  If it is not sincere, it is fake.  It’s a matter that comes from the heart.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the gift of faith.  Strengthen me through your Spirit that I might boldly share your love with others and be at peace with how it is received.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:23—2:4