And his affection for you is all the greater when He remembers that you were obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 2 Corinthians 7:15
This seems a strange verse to pull out for a devotional, but as always, I encourage you to read the passage in its full context.
Paul is referring to his associate missionary Titus, a gentile, converted to Christianity, who did not observe orthodox Jewish practices, a serious offense to some early church members. Paul was preaching salvation based on faith rather than works and Jewish law. He sent nontraditional Titus too Corinth to correct some evil behaviors in the new church. This young congregation of believers were so eager to live Holy lives they willingly excepted Titus and his message. Paul is ecstatic that the Gospel is continuing and his brother in Christ was accepted without bigotry.
It is devastating when Christians become bogged down in the petty things of life. Satan delights when God’s love is sifted through prejudices to the point the message it carries never gets delivered. Live and love as Christ, let the Gospel shine through.
Love,
Gretchen