The Hard Work of Building Up
In 2 Corinthians 12:17–21, the Apostle Paul reveals the depth of his pastoral anguish. Having expended himself — reputation, resources, and relational capital— for the Corinthian church, he now anticipates a grievous discovery: not growth, but regression into quarrelling, jealousy, slander, and sexual immorality. His ministry, from its inception, was oriented toward one end: edification — the strengthening and maturation of believers in Christ. Yet, the very flock he nurtured threatened to unravel through unchecked sin.
Paul’s sacrifices for them were comprehensive. He traversed thousands of kilometres, endured slander, and forfeited financial rights, all to ensure that every envoy — Titus and others — shared his singular aim: the spiritual advancement of the Corinthians. Sin, he warns, does not remain contained; like leaven, it permeates and defiles (Hebrews 12:15). In a city notorious for moral decay, the church risked adopting its ethos, treating grace as license rather than transformation.
Paul closes this section with a burdened heart (2 Cor 12:19–21). He fears finding the Corinthians not walking in maturity but in quarrelling, jealousy, gossip, impurity, and sin. It breaks him — not because his ego is bruised, but because their souls are at stake.
This passage reminds us: Edifying others is costly. Investing in people means hurt, misunderstanding, sacrifice, and patience. Paul gives time, tears, travel, and emotional energy so others grow in Christ.
That is Christ-like ministry.
In John 4, Jesus deliberately enters Samaria — a region shunned by Jews — exhausted and vulnerable. Engaging a woman of fractured history, He crosses ethnic, moral, and social barriers to offer living water. The outcome transcends the individual: an entire village comes to faith. His mission was edification, pursued at personal cost.
Jesus travelled through Samaria to speak to one broken woman. She is changed and the townspeople encounter Jesus.
Paul walks the same road.
What about us? Our culture avoids uncomfortable conversations, prefers convenience over commitment, and often quits when love isn’t returned. But gospel love perseveres. To build others up we must give:
- Time — slowing down to disciple, listen, pray
- Comfort — saying hard truths in love
- Convenience — opening homes, schedules, hearts
- Reputation — standing for holiness when others won’t
Where is God calling you to sacrifice for someone’s spiritual good?
This week, consider one intentional act of edifying love:
- Invite someone for a meal
- Volunteer quietly at church
- Reach out to a drifting believer
- Confront gossip in love
- Begin a prayer/discipleship conversation
Prayer:
Lord, make me a builder, not a critic. Give me the courage to love sacrificially, the patience to walk with others, and the humility to serve unseen. Amen.