February 20, 2025

2 Corinthians 13:1-10 (HCSB)
Final Warnings and Exhortations
13 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every fact must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. 2 I gave a warning when I was present the second time, and now I give a warning while I am absent to those who sinned before and to all the rest: If I come again, I will not be lenient, 3 since you seek proof of Christ speaking in me. He is not weak toward you, but powerful among you. 4 In fact, He was crucified in weakness, but He lives by God’s power. For we also are weak in Him, yet toward you we will live with Him by God’s power. 5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves. Or do you yourselves not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless you fail the test. 6 And I hope you will recognize that we do not fail the test. 7 Now we pray to God that you do nothing wrong—not that we may appear to pass the test, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear to fail.
8 For we are not able to do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 In fact, we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray that you become fully mature. 10 This is why I am writing these things while absent, that when I am there I will not use severity, in keeping with the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

Patrick Nix
Paul challenges the Corinthians to take a hard look at their faith. Are they truly living for Christ, or are they simply going through the motions? It’s a sobering question, but one that every believer needs to ask: What evidence is there in my life that I belong to Jesus? This isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. Do your words, actions, and choices reflect a life transformed by His grace? Are you growing in love, joy, patience, and forgiveness? Do you hunger for God’s Word and seek His will? These fruits are the fingerprints of a genuine faith. Self-examination isn’t meant to shame you but to draw you closer to Christ. It’s an invitation to realign your heart with His. And when you find areas where you fall short (as we all do), His grace is ready to forgive, strengthen, and restore.