Mike asks you to the movies and then says he can’t go. Mom says she’ll take you to the mall and then decides she has to go to Grandma’s instead. Do you have a right to be angry and call them both liars? The apostle Paul was accused of going back on a promise to visit the Corinthian church. Paul explained that when he told them his plan to visit, he didn’t do it lightly (2 Corinthians 1:17). He meant what he said. But at times things beyond people’s control cause them to change their plans. Of course, if someone lets you down again and again, he or she probably does promise lightly. But as for others? Hey, give them a break.
Can you give me some facts on how to live like a Christian and live like a person of faith? I’ve made some bad choices already and I don’t know if I can get back like I used to be.
Olivia
Dear Olivia,
You probably know more about how to live like a Christian than you realize, with things like being kind, respecting your parents, telling the truth, obeying God.
Sometimes when we make bad choices we continue on that path. But did you know that when you are in Christ you are a new creation? That’s what 2 Corinthians 5:17–19 tells us.
We all sin. But if we ask for forgiveness, Jesus’ sacrifice takes away our sin. Then we are made clean. And that means we can get a fresh start. We can make better choices today than we may have made yesterday. We don’t have to continue down a wrong path forever because of a past bad choice. Things may feel a little rocky when we start on the right path. It’s not always easy. But starting each day fresh and making good choices help us feel better about ourselves. And when we feel better about ourselves, we are encouraged in what we do. And then we can encourage others too.
Jordan
Is it good or bad to be friends with non-Christians? Should a Christian date a non-Christian? Many just say, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.” But what does that mean? Does it mean that you must not be friends with non-Christians? But how will they hear about Jesus if Christians don’t befriend them? The best thing is to understand “yoked” as a partnership, a relationship involving commitment. Don’t be partners with non-Christians because when it comes to values and commitments you have nothing in common. Marry someone who isn’t a Christian? Definitely no. Date or hang around? You decide whether any commitment is involved.
The Israelites were commanded to tithe, to give 10 percent of their income to God. The New Testament does not repeat that command, but it does teach these principles:
• Giving is a privilege (2 Corinthians 8:4).
• Jesus set an excellent example of giving (2 Corinthians 8:9).
• Give generously, and you will reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6).
• You are free to decide how much to give (2 Corinthians 9:7).
• Give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).
• Trust God to supply your needs (2 Corinthians 9:10–11).
Now is a good time to get into the habit of giving. Don’t think, “I don’t have much now, but I’ll give when I get a job.” God measures your giving by what you have, not by what you don’t have (2 Corinthians 8:12).
Shelby has nicer clothes. Jason is smarter. Ryan can dunk a basketball. Heather has thick, wavy hair. Dan makes friends easily. And there you are. Discount store clothes. Mostly C’s. Straight hair. And shy. Even if this isn’t you, to measure yourself by others, as Paul says, is “not wise.” So to whom do you compare yourself? No one. Learn to see yourself as God made you, with your own strengths and weaknesses. And work hard to develop strengths and overcome weaknesses. When you become the best “you” that you can be, you’ll be a success.
Stay out too late? You get grounded. Get in a fight at school? Suspended! Someone is always there to punish you when you mess up. However, your parents and other adults can’t follow you around all the time. You know there are lots of things you could do that Mom and Dad would probably never find out about. So why not go ahead? Some Corinthians figured that since Paul wasn’t around they could do whatever they wanted. Paul didn’t threaten, but he did warn them: “Christ . . . is not weak in dealing with you” (2 Corinthians 13:3). Remember that God will know what you’ve done, and he doesn’t let Christians get away with practicing sin.
2 Corinthians
Love Them?
Why should you love those “friends” who are now saying they don’t like you? In this letter, Paul shares his feelings and tells why he does what he does. He loves the Corinthians, even if they put him down.