Wednesday 28th June
Read 2 Corinthians 13:7-9
“Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong – not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.9 We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.” (NIVUK)
There are many things Paul my be inclined to pray for in these trying circumstances. He may pray that he is vindicated in the light of the accusations that have been made against him. There would be a certain justice in asking for that after all! But his prayer is not for himself. His prayer is for them.
A pastors’ heart is for the spiritual health of his people. He prays that they will not do evil. It is not that they will not ‘do wrong’ by him, that is in fact the least of his concerns. Paul is willing to be wronged and look like a failure if it means that they themselves will be stronger and more mature.
So often, when we are wronged, we try to muster up whatever little power we think we have, circle the wagons, and defend ourselves with every tool at our disposal. Yet Paul eschews such power plays wherever he can. He is willing to look weak and ineffectual if it means that people grow into the likeness of Jesus.
Paul’s prayer reveals an attitude that all of us, not just our pastors, would do well to cultivate. It is a prayer for the spiritual maturity of others despite the personal cost. As we approach 15 Days of Prayer in July, is this a prayer that is needed today?
