The marks of Paul's true apostleship were clearly demonstrated among the Corinthians by his life and perseverance in the midst of suffering. God displayed his power through Paul in signs, wonders, and miracles. If there was one thing he did wrong, he didn't exercise his apostolic right to get financial support from them. However, they didn't commend him but judged him by worldly standards and even misunderstood his integrity as an apostle. While Paul planned to visit them for the third time, he still didn't want to be a burden to them. What he wanted was not their possessions but their hearts. He was willing to pour out for them everything he had. It was out of love for them; it was his commitment to their maturity. Paul as a spiritual father loved them with God's long suffering patience and unselfish love.

Paul's motive in defending his apostleship to the Corinthians was not based in self-interest or self-defense. Instead, he did it in the sight of God as those in Christ to strengthen God's flock of sheep. Paul wanted them to repent of the impurity, sexual sin, and debauchery and to restore their pure devotion to Christ. Paul's aim before God was to strengthen other believers. Passion to build up the body of Christ is a mark of a true servant of God.


Application: Lord, help me to put others ahead of my benefit and have a pure motive to build up others in every circumstance.
One Word: The heart and mind of Christ