2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13

New International Version (NIV)

13 This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” ² I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, ³ since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. ⁴ For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you.

Paul gives a final warning for them to get their house in order.  Promises not to pull any punches when he gets there.  Reminds them that God is not weak.

That is what hits home for me today.  God is not weak.  When I "get away" with sin, I didn't.  God is giving me a chance to repent.

⁵ Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? ⁶ And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. ⁷ Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. ⁸ For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. ⁹ We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. ¹⁰ This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

As I read verse 5 I am taking a hard look at my life.  I am in the faith, but there is so much that needs to go.  No parent wants to use their authority to punish and I need to allow God to make the changes in me so when Christ returns I will be doing as I should. 

¹¹ Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
¹² Greet one another with a holy kiss. ¹³ All God’s people here send their greetings.
¹⁴ May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Verse 11 holds great encouragement in that we can be fully restored.  We are not cast out to never return.