Read 2 Corinthians 6:3-13
In everything he did, Paul always considered what his actions communicated about Jesus Christ. If you are a believer, you are a minister for God. In the course of each day, unbelievers observe you. Don’t let your careless or undisciplined actions be some person’s excuse for rejecting Christ.
What a difference it makes to know Jesus. He cares for us in spite of what the world thinks. Christians don’t have to give in to public opinion and pressure. Paul stood faithful to God whether people praised him or slandered him. He remained joyous and content in the most difficult hardships. Don’t let circumstances or people’s expectations control you. Be firm as you stand true to God, and refuse to compromise His loving standards for living.
Our hearts are open to you, Paul told the Corinthian believers; sharing his true feelings for them and clearly revealing how much he loved them. The Corinthians were reacting coldly to Paul’s words, but Paul explained that his harsh words came from his love for them. It is easy to react against those whom God has placed over us in leadership, rather than to accept their exhortations as a sign of their love for us. We need an open rather than a closed heart toward God’s messengers.