Daily Dose of Hope
February 17, 2026
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2
Prayer: Lord God Almighty, You have given us everything. Not only did you create the world, but you created us. Everything we have is a gift from you. Forgive us for when we begin to think that things are "ours." Soften our hearts. Help us become more generous. Lord, I give you my whole self. I want to offer myself as a living sacrifice; may I be pleasing in your sight. In Your Name, Amen.
Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida. We are currently journeying through Paul's letters. We have just started our fifth pastoral letter, 2 Corinthians.
Today, we are taking a look at chapter 2. In this chapter, Paul explains the reason he delayed his return to Corinth from Macedonia. His first visit had ended poorly. An influential man in Corinth had challenged Paul's apostolic authority. This man said Paul had no credibility from Jesus. So Paul left. He knew that if he returned as originally scheduled, it would create another difficult visit. Paul really wanted to protect the church but he also needed to deal with this conflict.
He sent a letter instead. This also created discord in the church. Not only were they upset with the tone of the letter but they were upset that Timothy rather than Paul delivered it. But Paul stayed away until he saw how things placed out. Eventually, the church sided with Paul. They decide that the man who opposed Paul committed a grave sin. The church punished him, and he repented. Some scholars suggest the term used here might be better interpreted as saying the church "reprimanded" the man. Paul urges them to end the punishment, to forgive and comfort the man, and to reaffirm their love for him. Paul insists that forgiveness must happen in each direction in order to keep them from being tricked by Satan.
Let's think about this – how might the enemy use unforgiveness to gain a foothold in our churches?
Paul also wants to assure the church of his deep love for them and their dependence on one another. He isn't the kind of leader who lords authority over them. Rather, they belong to each other. He is their coworker in the movement of the Gospel.
Are you aware that as the body of Jesus Christ, we all belong to God but we also belong to each other? Our work in the Lord is dependent on one another. We need one another. We are not independent contractors for Jesus out there on our own trying to share the Good News. Rather, we are all in this together, helping and supporting each other, praying for one another, and encouraging each other in our work.
Blessings,
Pastor Vicki
