Boundless Joy

"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." II Corinthians 7:4

Really? I mean really, Paul? You have confidence in these people who have so disappointed? You are proud of them? You are encouraged? Honestly Paul, how in the world can you actually say that through ALL (we are talking about quite a few you know) of the troubles, you have boundless joy? Wow! Amazing. Now that takes some grace.

We have much to learn from Paul. These very Corinthians had so under-achieved, had broken his heart and had needed so much of his time, energy and commitment. Yet, when all is said and done, he easily finds it in his heart to put the past behind him and press on. Paul forgives, refreshes and starts anew, as if there really was not history or baggage. We need to get better at this huh? I would hope that Grace Harbor Ministries would not be known for harboring grudges. Humans are not a joy often. I mean sometimes yeah, but not to the degree that Paul describes. So, why does he say that? Because he knows grace, he knows failure, he knows pride and false pride and he is very acquainted with being judged.

When you really experience grace, (you must see yourself as God sees you in order for that to happen) your view of people changes. You quit comparing and categorizing. You put all the troubles aside and put everything into objective perspective and enjoy the best part of humans. You know, the part that gives God boundless joy about you. Then you can be encouraged and properly proud, confident even in fellow humans. I am not suggesting a foolish approval of sinful behavior or overlooking what God does not condone. I am advocating Paul's attitude of moving on, in spite of troubles and seeing the best, forgiving, allowing for hope and change. I desire this more and am committed to promoting this Christ-like character trait of Paul. Frank and forgiving, honest and reconciling, real and compassionate. Really? Really, Pastor Fred?

Yes, really.
Pastor Fred

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