Daily Wisdom

“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy…” 2 Cor 1:24

Such a simple statement is extracted from (vs 24) that can bear great weight on one’s spiritual health.  Paul’s letter to Corinth was for the purpose to build up and not for tearing down, “Therefore I write these things…the Lord hath given me to edification and not to destruction” (13:10).  So the question presents itself, are you a “Help or a Hindrance” to the ministry of the Gospel and one’s faith?  We have no ability or power to command faith, nor can we add to another’s faith, we do not have dominion over doctrine, but only to share what is contained in the scriptures.  We see Paul refer to “joy” (26) times in his epistles, and (5) times in 2 Corinthians particularly.  Joy is the grace which is wrought in the soul by the Spirit of God, of which Christ is the object; it is the by-product of faith, and as one’s faith grows, so does one’s joy.  Yet it is often interrupted by the corruptions of the heart and temptations of this world, leaving the soul feeling unloved, discouraged and hopeless.  Such state of the soul drove Paul’s purpose, as should it ours, to edify and build-up one’s spirit in Christ. Making ourselves instruments and means by which the Spirit of God can be manifested in other’s hearts in a way that through faith other’s see the joy of the Lord. Helping should not be seen as a choice, but rather a purpose of joy to others. Again, are you a “Helper or a Hindrance” to the Joy of the Lord?

Never look down on someone else unless you’re helping them up.   

HSAY…Todd