2 Corinthians 13:11; Finally, Brethren, Farewell

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Parting words. Last words. It can be emotionally charged when the bond of relationship is precious and therefore parting hard. The relationship between the Apostle Paul and the Corinthian church was very close. The church were begotten because the good Lord constrained His servant to initate the relationship by the preaching of the gospel that resulted in the new births. It is a precious emotional relationship of love between the mother and her child. How the mother through much tribulation brought forth the child. And the nurturing of the initial years painstaking. This was the spiritual bond that God has brought forth that is eternal and beautiful.

It is the parents’ desire that the children, having been initiated in the early years, would grow to maturity. So he says to them, be perfect, be complete, be spiritually thriving. It is the parents’ prayer that the children will be well. And the Apostle Paul has not withheld his heart and love for the Corinthian church but poured his life for her nurturing. Once a parent, always a parent. Does a parent cease to be one as long as his or her children are around? Surely not! The parents’ care for the children does not cease. He enquired of them, for any trials that has come to you, be comforted, be strengthened.

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8) Amen.