Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SATURDAY, March 5
2 Corinthians 13:1-14. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?
Paul has been criticized by a group of would-be “super-apostles” (2 Corinthians 12:11). Here he concludes a long section in which he admonishes the Corinthian Christians for listening to these “super-apostles” and for questioning his authority and methods. He asks to be judged by his behavior—did he lord it over anyone or burden anyone in any way? No. Paul’s behavior had been exemplary. Paul then reminds his critics of the Christ dwelling within them. “Test yourselves,” he suggests—“is there evidence of Christ in you?”
How might Christians, then and now, behave differently if we had always in our minds the aware- ness that Jesus Christ is in us, that what we think and say and do is to reflect the mind of Christ? I’d say there would be less arguing, less carping criticism, less promoting of ourselves and our opinions. There would be more listening, less prattling. Differences would be acknowledged but then put aside and transcended. We would patiently bear affronts.
When we behave as if Christ is not in us, has something or someone else usurped the place of Christ in our hearts? And who would that something or someone be?
PRAY for the Diocese of Mbeere (Kenya)
Ps 20, 21:1-7(8-14) * 110:1-5(6-7), 116, 117; Deuteronomy 5:22-33; Matthew 7:22-29
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