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WHAT DO YOU PREFER? WHIP OR GENTLE SPIRIT

1 Corinthians 4
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“What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:21‬ ‭NIV

Reading this chapter, reminds me of my first year high school. Students were happy when a teacher was absent! The session soon turned into a jamming and singing time! Some would prefer sleeping, chatting, and only one or two would use the time for self-study! Sometimes the boys would get too excited and with no clear reasons ended up in fighting! Surely the Discipline Master would shown up to put the class in control again!
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Those were juveniles who were not yet able to control their energy, emotions, hormonal changes and actions!
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Likewise, the Corinthians failed to live a Christian life while the Apostle Paul was away! Worse than the restless juveniles, they were haughty, pompous, judging everyone incl. the apostles, wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight! They were arrogant especially they seemed to be successful in financial matters.
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Paul had sent Timothy to direct them of the way of life in Christ Jesus (v17). Yet, it seemed the conducts of these people were too worrisome that Paul wished to come in person. Paul was obviously troubled how to deal with these spiritual sluggards—shall I come with you with a rod of discipline, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
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Where are you in your spiritual growth? My prayer is that we all will have an easy and constant growth in our spiritual journey, individually and as a church, so we don’t need a whip! Instead, may we have an open and tender heart for God’s gentle spirit to work in us! ~plt190118
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#pltwrites #Corinthians #whiporgentlespirit#communityofbelievers #wayoflife #livinginChrist

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