2 Corinthians 13

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?...1Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

12Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13All God’s people here send their greetings.

14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  (2 Corinthians 13)

Thoughts: Paul wants us to pass our own test.  He wants us to look deep inside to see if faith in God really abides there or are we just fooling others and ourselves.  Yet there is also the assurance that if we pass the test we don't have to keep testing.  In fact, once we know we are in the faith for sure, we may greet one another, encourage one another, celebrate fellowship and love with one another.
     Paul concludes his letter with a great benediction that emphasizes the oneness yet threeness of God.  It is no accident that the Trinitarian benediction comes right after the test of the faith.  The object of true faith is the true God.  We experience faith in the Father God, the Spirit God, and Jesus as God- yet they are one. Once we find that we are a part of the faith, we become a part of the family.  So we are encouraged to be of one mind, live in peace with each other and enjoy the peace and love of God (vs. 11).  The grace of Jesus who loves us and came down for us is with us when we have faith.  The love of God who made all we see, sustains us and sent Jesus is with us when we have faith.  The fellowship of the Holy Spirit is also with us- we experience God being with us- close to us.   

Prayer: Lord, test me and try my anxious thoughts- and lead me in the everlasting way.  Lead me in the way of love and peace- your true way- Father, Son, and Spirit.