2 Corinthians 11 -- Three Evidences of Paul's Fatherly Love For Them

"Paul compared himself to a spiritual father caring for his family ... they were his beloved children, and he wanted the very best for them.  Paul gave them three evidences of his fatherly love for them," my commentary said.

His Jealousy Over The Church

"A father is jealous over his children and seeks to protect them from anything that will harm them... Paul saw the local church as a bride, engaged to be married to Jesus Christ.  That marriage will not take place until Jesus Christ has come for His bride.  Meanwhile, the church must keep herself pure as she prepares to meet her Beloved ... The peril is unfaithfulness to her fiance ... A divided heart leads to a defiled life and a destroyed relationship."

His Generosity To The Church

"A loving parent provides for the needs of the family, and Paul sacrificed that he might minister to the church at Corinth... It had cost the Corinthians nothing to benefit from the apostolic ministry of this great man of God ... A loving father does not lay he burdens on his children.  Instead, he sacrifices so that the children might have what they need."

His Anxiety For The Church

"His burden for the church was internal and constant ... We never know the love of our parents until we have become parents ... Being a parent has its fears as well as its joys ... The Corinthians thought that Paul's meekness was weakness, when it was really strength.  And they thought the Judaizers' arrogance was power.  How ignorant the saints can sometimes be ...Paul endured sufferings because of his love for Christ and the church.  His greatest burden was not around him but within Him -- the care of all the churches ... Whatever happened to his children touched his own heart, and he could not abandon them."

Father, stoke up my love for the church You've placed me in.  Help me to be jealous over it, generous toward it, and anxious for it.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford