YouVersion

Reading chapters 11 and 12 of 2 Corinthians you can sense the absolute frustration in Paul as it relates to the immaturity of the Corinthian church. He is frustrated by having to defend his authority and integrity as an apostle. He is frustrated because the church apparently thinks he has ulterior motives in ministering to them. He's frustrated that what he has put out for them has not been recognized for what it is, and accepted. He's frustrated to the point of sarcasm and lengthy discourse concerning his qualifications and the hardships endured for the cause of Christ.

I am encouraged by reading Paul's "rampage". He expresses much of what I feel and can't say, (though of course I lack the qualifications that lend credibility to Paul's words). And the underlying lack of trust in Paul's leadership and motivation is something many a leader/pastor can relate to. No matter what they give, the gift is not accepted, or, and this is perhaps worse, it is figured to be given out of wrong and selfish motives.

Thanks Paul for revealing your heart. Thanks for being real. You're my kind of Pastor. You're as authentic as they get, you care passionately and you're determined to get that message out.