When Christ Corrects: Enjoying a Correctable Church (2 Corinthians 13:11-14) | Pastor Mike Fabarez

Main message: Christians should ask whether they are the kind of people who would create the church they want to attend — a congregation marked by the God of love and peace — and practically live that out by obeying five simple commands Paul gives in 2 Corinthians 13:11–14. When individuals choose joy, pursue restoration, encourage others, agree on what matters, and live at peace, God's grace, love, and fellowship will be evident among them.

Key points:

• Be joyful on purpose: "Rejoice" is a command (choose joy; pray without ceasing and give thanks — 1 Thess. 5:16–18; Phil. 4:4).
• Aim for restoration and comfort: be the parakaleo (encourager/comforter/helper) to others in suffering (2 Cor. 1; 7:6).
• Encourage people pastorally in small, simple ways (a quick word or presence can change someone's day).
• Agree on what matters and avoid quarrels, jealousy, gossip and hostility so the church can stay unified (1 Cor. 1:10; warnings in 2 Cor. 12:20).
• Live at peace with your church and show care in fellowship (greet one another with a "holy kiss"; practice commonality of the Spirit and observe the Lord’s Supper as remembrance and unity).

Scriptures mentioned: 2 Corinthians 13:11–14, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, Philippians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 1, 2 Corinthians 7:6, 2 Corinthians 5, 2 Corinthians 6, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 2 Corinthians 12:20, 1 Corinthians 1:10, John (upper‑room discourse), Romans 5, Philippians 2, Psalm 103