“Not for that
we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye
stand.” 2 Cor 1:24
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). The question
presents itself, are you a “Help or Hindrance” to the Gospel and other’s faith? We have no ability or power to command faith,
nor can we add to another’s faith, but we do have dominion over doctrine, but
only to share what is contained in the scriptures. We see Paul refer to “Joy” (26) times in the epistles,
and (5) times in 2 Cor 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 corruptions of
the heart and temptations of the 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 another’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 they can see the joy of the Lord. Helping should not be seen simply 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
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