As you get to the end of Paul second letter, to the Corinthians one word stands out … “Finally.” Chapter 13, verse 11 begins “Finally, brothers, rejoice!”
While Paul wants us to rejoice, he does not stop there. He goes on “Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” [HCSB]
Paul lists four things: maturity, encouragement, unity, and peace. He also gives a promise that the God who IS love and peace will be with us.
I found it interesting that rejoicing leads the way to maturity, encouragement, unity, and peace, rather than comes at the conclusion.
As Christians, we are to seek maturity. We are to not only be encouraged, but to be conduits of encouragement to others. We are to seek unity – not uniformity – with others who also have Christ as Savior and the Indwelling Holy Spirit.
Last, we are to be at peace. Christ Jesus brought us peace with God. The Indwelling Spirit of God gives us peace with ourselves, and peace with others.
Paul will end this letter to the Corinthians with a benediction. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” [vs 13:13 HCSB]
Grace. Love. Fellowship. “Finally, rejoice!”
