Paul's Ministry ManualMuestra

Working Through Relationships

Christian ministry is largely a matter of relationships. It depends on our relationship with the Lord, but it also depends on our relationships with others. If we are ministering to people, we must relate to them.

When Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, he was cleaning up a troubled relationship with the church in Corinth. After a “painful visit” to Corinth, he had written a tearful letter (2:1-4), but now his colleague Titus had arrived with good news from Corinth. In 7:2-16, Paul bares his heart, and we see nothing but love and compassion.

He does not argue over right and wrong, nor does he present any theological argument or rebuke. What he does is expose his own heart. Here are his words, “I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds” (3-4).

Paul could have included in his letter phrases like “enough blame to go around,” but in fact, he goes far beyond what is necessary when he writes, “At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter” (11). He has not, while staying in Macedonia, complained about or criticized the Corinthians. He has boasted about them to Titus, and he is thrilled that his boast is upheld (14).

We cannot say the apostle Paul never leveled blame or presented theological arguments in his letters. That would clearly be untrue. Sometimes these things were required. What we can say is that in the case of the Corinthians at this time, that was not his approach. What was needed was encouragement and the mending of relationships. He apparently reckoned that the theological issues had been dealt with and it was time for heart matters.

That is the model he gives us. He demonstrates how to open our hearts without reserve, how to accept those who may have offended us in the past when matters of relationship are cleared up. The question of those who discredited the apostle to the Christians at Corinth has been resolved. Now the heart issues need to be dealt with. The apostle takes that on without reservation. Can we do that? Can we open our hearts when that is both the most difficult thing and the greatest need?

Prayer: Father, let my heart always be open to forgive and welcome. May I not harbor grudges or offenses but be ready to accept my imperfect brothers and sisters, knowing I also am imperfect.

If these words have been helpful, live them out with God’s help in any ministry He gives you. And may the Lord bless you and your ministry.