Paul is defending not only his message to them in his previous letter but his ministry. His response demonstrates the heart of a servant leader. Today is Father’s day. A day when we celebrate the role of the father. I have just texted a friend to say I was praying for him. He’s a great father but his own experience from his father hasn’t been good. That will be said and felt by many today. I am reading the next few verses through the filter of being a father. I realise it is taking the text out of context which you should never do but it is Father’s Day afterall!
“Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. 10 As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!” (2 Corinthians 11 v 7-11)
- A Father lowers himself.
- A Father doesn’t want payment or reward. For grace to be grace it cannot be repaid.
- A Father knows the weight of provision and will tent-make taking 2 jobs, he will borrow if necessary.
- A Father carries good news.
- A Father may be misunderstood but the cry of his heart will be love. The father’s love might be questioned, the sacrifices go unnoticed, decisions can be misunderstood and yet his heart bleeds love. This is a mirror of the Hevanely Father’s love.
- A Father knows that at the end of the day true love finds its validation in faithful service, sacrifice and the example of revealing to our children a greater Father than we are.
Happy Father’s Day
Missions Paul 