2 Corinthians 13:7-9 - Prayer for Completion

HIS WORDS

Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved. For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete. (NASB95)

But I pray to God that you may do nothing wrong, not in order that we [our teaching] may appear to be approved, but that you may continue doing right, [though] we may seem to have failed and be unapproved. For we can do nothing against the Truth [not serve any party or personal interest], but only for the Truth [which is the Gospel]. For we are glad when we are weak (unapproved) and you are really strong. and this we also pray for: your all-round strengthening and perfecting of soul. (AMPLIFIED)

But if it comes to that, we'd rather the showed our failure than yours. We're rooting for the truth to win out in you. We couldn't possibly do otherwise. 

We don't just put up with our limitations; we celebrate them, and then go on to celebrate every strength, every triumph of the truth in you. We pray hard that it will all come together in your lives. (The Message)

MY MEDITATION AND STUDY

"Complete" is the Greek word, katártisis, and "is the inner strength of the organic relationship of the community, or of the character of its members (2 Cor. 13:9)" (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged, p. 80). Paul and his team prayed that they would do no moral evil and grow in strength and character. So important to pray for others and myself! 

I love how The Message paraphrases the verses leading up to this prayer passage:

Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. I hope the test won’t show that we have failed. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)

MY WORDS

We pray to God that you will be free of all moral evil; not so that what we taught you would be validated (and we could boast in that); but that you would continue applying your faith in your actions. We do not mind being despised and criticized for your sakes, just as long as you keep on obeying the Lord. We are not concerned about our reputation, but rejoice in your growth. We continue to pray for your inner strengths and growth in character.

I WILL

Pray this for all the people (and spouses) who have passed through Jesus' Kingdom Community since 2009. Such great people that are still growing in maturity, making life choices. I get to meet with one of them today. I got to Skype with another and talked on the phone with another last night. I love all of these people like they are family because that is what they are! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my life! So blessed and will continue to pray. 

Also pray this for myself!