In 2 Cor 6 , Paul explains the importance of living in such a way that we do not "hinder" others from finding the Lord. Instead, we need to make it clear to unbelievers that we serve God, by being steadfast in troubled times, with sincere love and truthful speech, through glory and dishonor, good report or bad report, and being genuine at all times. Paul said to the Corinthians that he was speaking freely and opening wide his heart to them, not withholding his affections, and encouraged them to respond likewise. Paul had conveyed his true feelings, even harsh words, from his love for them. He wanted them to accept his exhortations in love.

Paul next warned them not to "partner with unbelievers", since fellowship with the lawless may weaken their Christian commitments to righteous behavior. Pall calls them to "be separate", so that He can fellowship with them and they can live as "sons and daughters of the Lord".

In 2 Cor 5, Paul says we should always feel fully confident in the promise of eternal life. Though our earthly body makes us grow weary, groan, and sigh, we can look forward to the day when we will put on our heavenly bodies. God himself has prepared us for this very purpose and has given us the Holy Spirit to guarantee what is to come. Our goal , then, should be to live our lives to please Him. Since we are aware of God's power in us, we should share the truth from a sincere heart, knowing that Christ's love controls us and the glory will be God's. We no longer live for ourselves but for Christ, and will stand before Him one day and receive both our reward and wages. But we know that the free gift of God is eternal life, for he brought us back to himself through Christ. This reconciliation that God has done through Christ is being appealed to the world through us. We need to speak for Christ as "ambassadors" to plead with people to "come back to God" . "For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sin against them." I pray God will help me to embrace the privilege He provides us to encourage others to believe in Christ.

2 Cor 4 teaches that it is by God's mercy and grace that we are able to continue serving as ministers and stewards of the Lord's work and not lose heart. Paul says that by sharing openly and sincerely the truth of the light of our faith, others will be sure that we can be trusted. But, the minds of unbelievers are blinded, even if there is nothing hidden about our message. Though God shines in our hearts to let others know his glory, our hearts are frail and weak so that there can be no confusion that the glory is from God.... that "the excellence of the power working in us may undeniably appear to be of God" . Paul says that "outwardly we are wasting away, but inwardly we are being renewed day by day". There is hope in knowing that one day all the stress and heartache of this world will end and we will enjoy rest and rewards in Christ. Therefore, Paul says to live above the pain, knowing our daily troubles and trials are "getting us ready for an eternal glory". So, keep our minds focused not on what is seen, but on this unseen future hope, which is eternal.

2 Cor 3 answers the question posed in chapter 2, " Who is adequate for such a task" of representing Christ?". Paul says, "not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant". Next, Paul compares the new covenant of grace with the old covenant of the law. He explains that living under the new covenant of grace is much more glorious, since it is "not of written laws" that condemns and ends in death, but "of the Spirit" giving life and making us right with God. Paul says the new covenant gives us "such hope" and confidence, "that we can be very bold". We also receive liberty and freedom from the Spirit under this new covenant, by which He enables us to live for him, "so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord". Paul concludes by explaining that "as the Spirit works within us", we are "being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord", becoming more and more like Christ.

2 Cor 2 has two topics of discussion. First, Paul describes the heart-brokenness that we share with those in the body who are experiencing consequences of their sin. Confronting wrongdoing, though vitally important, is not the end. There comes a time after the difficult discussions "to forgive him and comfort him". Paul says, "otherwise he may become so discouraged that he won't be able to recover". After confrontation, conversation, and course correction, then there must also be restoration, comfort, and encouragement. As Paul says, "now show him that you still love him".

Second, Paul teaches us to give thanks to God for leading us into victory wherever we go, using us "to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Good News like a sweet perfume". Paul describes our lives as a "fragrance presented by Christ to God". But the "fragrance of the knowledge of Him" that is spread everywhere through us depends not on our competence. Paul asks , "who is adequate for such a task as this?" Paul explains that we are not like those "hucksters", who probably had terrific speaking abilities and marveled their audiences with their fancy talk, but instead we speak "with sincerity and with Christ's authority" and as "like men sent from God".

In 2 Cor 1, Paul reminds us that God "is the source of every mercy and comfort". In speaking about the hardships that he has endured, Paul explains that "for just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows." Paul says this process produces patient endurance, "that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God". Therefore, we will set on Him our hope and confidence, "that He will continue to deliver us". Next, Paul boasts in God as the power enabling him to conduct himself in holiness and sincerity in his relationship with the church. Paul says he has depended on God's grace, not on his own earthly wisdom. Paul concludes by clarifying his instruction of "standing firm". Paul explains that God (the author and perfecter of our faith)is He "who makes you stand firm in Christ" and "it is by faith you stand firm". This seems so simple, yet so many people get it backwards. Our faith is a gift from God that allows us to stand firm. Paul says this instruction is "straightforward and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you cannot understand". Amen !

In 1 Cor 16, Paul offers five final thoughts of encouragement and instruction: 1) Be watchful, on the alert, and guard the truth. 2) Be fixed in and stand true to the faith. 3) Be courageous and keep your ground when faced with temptation. 4) Be strong and act like men (yes-that's exactly what Paul said). 5) Do everything with charity, kindness, and love. No problem, right? How are you doing?