Edition 47 of my Pride study

Tuesday, October 18th

Edition 47 of my Pride study

2 Corinthians 7:2-7
2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 3 I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4 I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.

5 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

It is good to take pride in others, when they do right. Paul’s pride was one of seeing those who were doing good spiritually. He was encouraged by their actions. When Paul was in a time where he could have been discouraged, he say those who were repenting and became encouraged.

Luke 15:1-7
1 Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."

3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

Even in the darkest hour, when something good happens, I need to let it encourage me. That is so hard to do. Even thinking about it challenges me. I am doing so much better now than in days prior. Thanks for the calls and emails, it really does encourage me to know that the fellowship is good and well. When I see fellowship work like this, it reminds me of Proverbs 18:24 “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” When I walk like Christ, I stick closer than a brother.