Devotion 24 February 2026

"…we have behaved in the world with frankness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God." 2 Corinthians 1:12

READING: 2 Corinthians 1: 12-24

In this passage, Paul is writing to the church members in Corinth to clarify that his leadership was not about control, but about partnership and faith.

Christian leadership should be about enabling the ministry of other people of God to use their God-given gifts and graces. Paul says: “I do not mean to imply that we lord it over your faith; rather, we work with you for your joy...” (v 24). If we are in any leadership position, our focus should be on empowering those we lead, not exerting our own power.

Whether we are leaders or not, we are all called to behave in a Christian manner (v12) and encourage faith in others by our example.

Faith is a very personal thing. However, we are called to witness to our faith, not to make a display of it, as Jesus instructs us in Matthew 6:5, but, at the same time, we should be ready to share it.

We have to be careful how we do that. No matter how grateful we might feel to God for His intervention in our lives, it was due to God’s grace, not our faith. Some testimonies are all about the faith of the one delivered. We could take David as a model of how to give a public testimony in Psalm 40:9-10. His focus is on God: “I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness…”  Like David, there are times when we need to go public and tell how God’s love and faithfulness have delivered us.

On the other hand, whether we are aware of it or not, we are witnesses to Christ by our very behaviour every day in all places.

Here Paul can be our model - “work with you for your joy” -  as he gives us the example of walking alongside others at their pace in an attitude of love and support.

Prayer

Loving God, in a world of shifting values and uncertain paths, help me to stand firm in my faith in you. Keep me anchored in your love and help me to show your love to others in all that I do, say, and am. Amen