Paul was about to make his third visit to Corinth. He had concerns based on his prior trips that they might not have repented of sinning. Paul feared God and spoke as one in Christ. He would deal with them by God’s power. So, he requested the Corinthians to examine their faith in light of the gospel. He wanted them to stand strong and live for the truth as those belonging to Christ. He prayed for them to be fully restored in Christ by Christ’s power. Paul wrote in advance of his coming to them, with the hope that he might come not to tear them down, but to build them up.

In his final message Paul asked them to rejoice and strive for full restoration. He wanted their ministry to encourage and love each other in one mind. Paul trusted that the God of love would be with them. He had a wonderful vision of their unity in the Holy Spirit and a beautiful prayer for God’s blessing.
Application: Lord, bless me to strive for full restoration with God’s holy vision in my heart.
One Word: Strive for full restoration