Knowing The Word in 2 Corinthians, 13:2-4, He was Crucified

2 I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them—3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. 4 For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.

Paul returns to the cruciform shape of his ministry based on the life of Jesus. He warns that if they obey, his authority will be confirmed among them, and his self-defense will have achieved its ultimate goal—the reconciliation of Paul with his estranged converts. His goal is not shame but for authentic repentance and reconciliation that will lead the church in Corinth into whole-hearted gospel living.

O God, whose will it is that all your children should be one in Christ; we pray for the unity of your Church. Pardon all our pride and our lack of faith, of understanding and of charity, which are the causes of our divisions. Deliver us from narrow-mindedness, from our bitterness, from our prejudices. Save us from considering as normal that which is scandal to the world and an offense to your love. Teach us to recognize the gifts of grace among all those who call upon you and confess the faith of Jesus Christ our Lord.

French Reformed Church Liturgy