2 Corinthians 10:12-18 (NRSV)
Let those who boast, boast in the Lord
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense. We, however, will not boast beyond limits, but will keep within the field that God has assigned to us, to reach out even as far as you. For we were not overstepping our limits when we reached you; we were the first to come all the way to you with the good news of Christ. We do not boast beyond limits, that is, in the labors of others; but our hope is that, as your faith increases, our sphere of action among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may proclaim the good news in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in someone else's sphere of action. "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved, but those whom the Lord commends.
Reflection
We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense. We, however, will not boast beyond limits, but will keep within the field that God has assigned to us, to reach out even as far as you. For we were not overstepping our limits when we reached you; we were the first to come all the way to you with the good news of Christ. We do not boast beyond limits, that is, in the labors of others; but our hope is that, as your faith increases, our sphere of action among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may proclaim the good news in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in someone else's sphere of action. "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved, but those whom the Lord commends.
Reflection
When we live the life and follow the teaching and continue to learn the ways of Jesus, we will begin to grow in faith as we believe that Jesus is our Savior and the Savior of the world. We become convinced through faith and trust builds and we place all of our hope in Jesus. We study the Word and listen to preaching and search for the voice of God all over the place. We see and hear the Word spoken, lived, in the Sacraments and the Spirit moves us with gifts that draw us out of ourselves and into this world to proclaim the glorious grace of God through Christ Jesus.
All of this is nothing for us to boast about, unless we boast about what Jesus has done in our lives. We stop and reflect the path we have been taken and begin to realize that the Spirit is moving in and through us with a purpose and a call. Suddenly we see that our lives have been used by the Spirit in places we could never expect.
Through our growth in faith and belief and trust in God, God's sphere of love has grown in this world beyond the limits we thought we had imposed. All of this happens not to our credit but to the credit of God. We have been so occupied learning, growing in faith, acting in love, that we didn't even see God's sphere of love expand into the world through us. And that's a wonderful thing! Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, as I continue in faithful call to learn, listen, and act out on your love, expand that love through me into all those I meet and beyond to your glory... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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