"Do you look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that , as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present."
What a glimpse into the life of Paul the apostle; not at all what we would have imagined given the incredible amount of scripture he contributed to the New Testament. Yet for all the wisdom and knowledge imparted to him, his outward appearance and conduct were rather unimpressive and clumsy. Here is a man that practiced the very love he preached; and to such an extent that he was willing to appear foolish if only he could present the Corinthian Church as a pure virgin unto Christ.
May God raise up more shepherds and overseers like this; who will genuinely care for the things of Christ and speak the truth in love.
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