Dear Ones,
In 2nd Corinthians 1:24, we read, “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.”
In 2nd Corinthians 1:24, we read, “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.”
Accordingly, as we are taught in the way of God, may each of us follow this example in dealing with one another. Thus, the next part of 2nd Corinthians 1:24 explains “why” this pattern is to be followed: to be “helpers of your joy.” What a blessing it is to grow in our understanding of the word of God! What a blessing it is to be able to serve the Lord better, because we know more of what pleases Him; and, it is also a blessing to know more of what we should avoid, to stay in closer fellowship with the Lord. And what’s more, sometimes in order to be faithful to God, we must do some things that are not pleasant. If we need to admonish someone or point out to someone some mistake they are making, then that may be the last thing that we would want to do. However, doing that may just be the restoration of a brother or sister. Doing that just may save that person from much heartache and sorrow. And so, if we would pray for the grace and courage to do what is right and what first of all honors God and His word, then that task which we wanted to avoid can result in a great source of joy in the days ahead.
Friends, following the word of God is always “good medicine.” It is wholesome and it equips us to walk in the way that will lead to joy and peace. Hopefully, we have had many in our lives who have been “helpers of our joy.” And hopefully, we have been a “helper of someone else’s joy” along life’s pathway as well. Just think of the value you have received from godly counsel, and thank the Lord for it. And by the way, God told Joshua, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8) Also, Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy (His words) might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11) The best help to our joy that can ever be found, is the help we receive from the word of God.
Finally, the last phrase of 2nd Corinthians 1:24 says, “for by faith ye stand.” Our only standing is to be found in being firmly grounded, settled, and living according to God’s truth: “the faith which was once delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3) May we earnestly contend for it and may we find the joy that there is in it.
In the love of Christ,
Elder Clayton Nowell