14 June - 2 Corinthians 6

2 Corinthians chapter 6 is where we’re at today. Let’s get right to it:

1. Paul begins this chapter by urging his audience to take seriously what God does when he forgives us of our sins. 
2. Then Paul records how he went through a lot of tough times trying to share God’s love with people. However, through it all he still rejoiced and kept a good attitude. Often we go through tough times in life, mostly just because we live in a broken world but Paul went through bad times because he was a Christian. Maybe reading the life of Paul can encourage us when we’re going through a difficult time.
3. The closing of this chapter talks about not being “yoked together” with unbelievers. “Yoked” is a farming term; it’s when you place a wooden harness on two oxen to hook them to a plow. the reason they would yoke oxen was that it helped them go in the same direction. Paul is saying we shouldn’t “yoke” ourselves with people who don’t follow Jesus. This may sound like Paul is suggesting to segregate Christians from non-Christians but he’s not saying that. What he is saying is that as a Christian we should not date or marry someone who doesn’t follow Jesus as well. The reason for this is because it’s not fair to either person. Doing so will usually cause the Christian to have a more difficult time growing closer to God. You may be thinking that through a relationship you could bring them to believe in Jesus. However, that is just not the case. Paul isn’t saying anything bad about someone who doesn’t follow Jesus. He’s just looking out for both parties best interest. The goal of someone who follows Jesus should be to grow closer to Jesus everyday and Paul is giving them advice on how to do that.

What about this chapter spoke most to you? The urging to take the grace God’s shown you more serious? Paul’s call to endure tough times? Or maybe you’re struggling with dating someone who isn’t going the same direction spiritually as you are? Whatever it is, we should ask God to help us follow him in a way that is worthy of being called a part of his family.