I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. 6Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. 7Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. 8So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.

And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, 11so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God!

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. 9We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14Either way, Christ’s love controls us.

Lord God my Father,

Allow my heart to only carry your peace and forgiveness so I may love well. Thank you for being so personal in my life, directing my steps. Even when life gets hard your Joy carries me. May my faith be seen powerfully by others and draw them to you.

In Jesus name I pray,

Amen