In all of Paul’s writings there seems to be at least one point that presents a very difficult teaching point. This letter is full of those hard teachings. One of the most difficult for me consist of three words buried toward the end of chapter 2. In verses 24 and 25 of that chapter Paul describes six essential characteristics of a person who serves the Lord. The fourth one is the hardest for me: patiently enduring evil. I hate it when bad things happen; whether to me or when I witness it toward someone else. The more vulnerable the greater my anger over the situation. Why does Paul lay such a burden on Christ’s followers? I think part of it may be that he understands the fruit of enduring the oppression of evil. More than once Paul learned the meaning of “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Patiently enduring evil is part of being made holy for God’s purpose. That is what Jesus did. And we would have no hope of salvation if Jesus had acted in power. But because he chose the path of weakness he was glorified in his resurrection and we have a savior who will help us when we are weak. How do we learn to be patient while enduring evil? To face evil head-on.
It took me about 12 minutes to read this letter.
Stuart
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