2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Song of Solomon 1:1-4:16 ESV, 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 ESV, Psalm 50:1-23 ESV, Proverbs 22:22-23 ESV
Daily Verse: “For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord.” (2 Corinthians 8:17 ESV)
AUTHAIRETOS (830): “This word means “to choose, self-chosen, voluntary, of one’s own accord” and occurs of Titus in his willingness to go and exhort the church in Corinth concerning the matter 2 Cor. 8:17 ESV.”[i]
Voluntary choice.
Because of the Corinthian’s skepticism about Paul and Titus’s intentions, they require reassurance. Paul’s adamant Titus came because of his love for Jesus and the Corinthians, not money. Titus chose to serve them because of the unconditional love he found in Christ.
When someone begins to accept the unconditional love Jesus offers, they can’t help but share it. In a world of judgment and criticism run rampant, finding people who love without condition proves challenging. Following Christ of your accord means you voluntarily choose Him.
“Jesus is a gentleman,” I’ve said often. God’s Son doesn’t force His attention on anyone who doesn’t want it, and neither should we.
Stay the course.
Paul and Titus didn’t back down in the face of false accusations; they stayed the course, allowing their actions to speak for them. Good intentions become evident eventually, sometimes sooner than later. Lies get exposed given enough time.
Just as the Corinthians eventually realized Paul and Titus didn’t want their money, people will recognize your actions with the right intentions. You may not use the right words, but pure motives will elicit grace for innocent mistakes.
Live life of your own accord for Jesus; choose to follow Him closely each day. As situations arise in life, mimic Christ’s example. Love at all times, seek the Father for guidance and strength, and in all things, give glory to God. People will know you have a sincere heart with pure intentions when you do.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 47) Thomas Nelson
