How to end an argument
2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Isn’t it interesting, that the harshest of all the letters of Paul ends with a sign off that is fuller than any of the other letters in the New Testament?
It’s such a good and full benediction that it was placed in the book of common prayer and is a common way to end church meetings. It contains all three parts of the trinity, brings in grace, Love and fellowship.
And he’s asking for this blessing to be with them ALL. This is written to a church that has just been severely chastised! Some had still not repented of the very things he’s bringing them to task over.
No mic drop – no “you’d better deal with this”. Instead he signs of with a blessing. Even when there were serious issues that need to be addressed – his prime concern was their well-being.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could do the same in our conflicts? With the most unruly and difficult people, those who seem to show no repentance and no respect for others in the church… well we need to challenge them – we need to take a stand for the word – but we must always end with grace and blessing. The more difficult the conversation, the greater the need for love, grace and fellowship.
Even when you are right… end with grace.
