The Corinthian believers grew up in a very promiscuous society, and may even have engaged in such doings before their salvation. Many had relinquished those practices but some still clung to them (read both 1 & 2 Corinthians to discover this).
They'd also grown up in an affluent society. Many were very likely well-to-do. Clinging to their wealth and hoarding it "just in case" of hard times may have led to their reluctance in giving monetary help when and where needed. In this case, to the Jerusalem believers who were in dire straits.
Paul had to remind them at least three times to follow through on their initial desire to give such a gift. He was trying hard to spur them on to love (with God's unconditional love) and good works (see Hebrews 10:24).
There was still work to do in their hearts and minds. A work of perfection and restoration. Paul told them to ...
"Aim for perfection ... (2 Corinthians NIV).
Or as the ESV puts it,
"Aim for restoration."
He said that they prayed for it ...
"Your restoration is what we pray for" (2 Corinthians 13:9 ESV).
He wanted them to
"Be perfect" (2 Corinthains 13:11 KJV).
When they could be restored in their souls and spirits, they'd be perfect.
Grace, love and fellowship could be restored to the unity of the Spirit.
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all,"
Paul wrote and prayed (2 Corinthians 13:14 ESV).
May all of us reading this also have this aim: restoration and perfection through Christ's grace; God's love and the Holy Spirit's fellowship. Then may we follow through on our good intentions. In Jesus' name we ask. Amen.
~ ERC June 2026 ~
Based on 2 Corinthians 13:especially vs 9, 11 and 14 ESV.
Sing, The Love of God, along with Reawaken.
Photo credits: Jane Koh.
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