2 Corinthians 6

2 Corinthians 6 (NKJV)

Marks of the Ministry

1We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

2For He says:
“In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

3We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.

4But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,

5in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;

6by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,

7by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;

9as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed;

10as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

Be Holy

11O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open.

12You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.

13Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.

14Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

15And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

16And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”

17Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”

18“I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”

1 Peter 2:9

1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

9But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Proverbs 4:23

Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

23Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Scripture readings

Devotional 📖

The word “yoked” is a farming term. It talks of being harnessed together to plow the field. For example, you wouldn’t yoke a donkey and an ox together because donkeys pull back and an ox plows forward.

“Do not be unequally yoked” is probably one of the most important pieces of wisdom advice in the Bible, not just for romantic relationships but also for friendships. The danger of forming close unions, partnerships or bonds with those who don’t share the same values and principles as you is that you will find yourself in constant contention with that person. The scripture is not telling us to completely isolate ourselves from people that think differently to us, it’s telling us to be wary of forming close bonds with those who have fundamental irreconcilable beliefs that differ from what we believe in the Bible. We may not be as strong in Christ as we think we are and can be influenced away from the narrow way.

We are called out from the world. Paul reminds us that light has no fellowship with darkness and the temple of God, which we are, has no agreement with idols. The key is not to separate yourself from everyone who doesn’t say they’re a Christian, because otherwise we’d need to leave the world, it’s to be extremely prayerful before forming close relationships and partnerships with people. The truth is that you could even be unequally yoked with Christians, that’s why it’s important we are led by the Spirit in those we choose to let into our lives.

Prayer 🙏

Holy Spirit, help me to discern whether to form a relationship or partnership with someone. Teach me to guard my heart. I submit myself to your leading Holy Spirit. Guide and direct me with your love.

In Jesus name,

Amen