THE WORK IS WORTH IT.

 2 Corinthians 11-13

The conclusion in 2 Corinthians is not the kind of soft and sweet farewell that makes you feel warm inside. It’s more like an emergency landing where the pilot (Paul) knows what he’s doing, but the passengers (the Corinthians) are panicking. And frankly, they deserve it.

Paul is visibly frustrated—and who wouldn’t be? He’s the one who first introduced the Corinthians to the gospel (11:2-3), nurtured their faith(Acts 17:11-18:11), and even sent young ministers like Titus and others to disciple them (12:18). Yet here they are, trashing all his effort and entertaining self-proclaimed "super-apostles" with a gospel that’s all style, no substance. These intruders(Jews mostly) preach human works instead of Christ’s finished work on the cross, promote exclusivity (a gospel for Jews only or at least be a Jew first), and prioritize personal fame and financial gain over serving others (11:4-5, 20). Wah! This is not the injili we know from our Lord.

If you’re a minister(you ought to be BTW) who’s ever poured your heart into someone or a group only to watch them drift back into the very things God delivered them from, Paul’s anger will resonate with you. It’s the same frustration Jesus felt when He walked into the temple expecting prayer but found a marketplace instead (John 2:13-17). Noisy haggling over wares had replaced the sacred focus from worship. Jesus made a whip and cleared the space, showing righteous anger in action. Paul, lacking a physical whip and the fact that he was far, uses words—but you can tell the passion is similar.

The tragedy of backsliding is that it’s not just a return to square one—it’s often worse. Backsliders become hardened, updated to SINNER 8.0: more resistant to correction, more entrenched in their ways, and often blind to the truth they once embraced (12:20-21). This is why Paul’s tone shifts from fatherly concern to unfiltered warning: "When I come, I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others" (13:2). He’s essentially saying, “Get your act together before I arrive, because trust me, it won’t be a friendly reunion if you don’t.”  

Paul’s struggle is a reminder for modern ministers that frustration is part of the mission. You will encounter spiritual drift in those you mentor.🤦🏽‍♂ Like Paul, you may feel like shouting, 🗣️“After all I’ve done for you, this is how you repay me?!” But before giving up, consider Paul’s approach:  

1. Speak the Truth in Love, Even When It’s Hard.

Paul’s anger is rooted in love. He’s not lashing out to punish but to protect them from destruction (13:10). Let your confrontation be fueled by the same love that initially drove you to minister(12:15).

2. Rely on God’s Power, Not Your Own.

Paul reminds them (and himself) that Christ’s power is perfected in weakness (12:9-10). Ministers are vessels, not saviors. The outcome belongs to God.  

3. Keep Planting Seeds.

Paul’s investment in the Corinthians didn’t end with his frustration. He planned a third visit (13:1), showing that persistence, not abandonment, is the response to setbacks.  

4. Inject Some Humor to Stay Sane.

Picture Paul muttering to himself as he writes, “These guys better repent before I show up!” (13:5). Humor can be a pressure valve. For instance, you might tell a wayward friend, “You’re like that phone with too many updates—overheated and barely functional. Let’s reset!” or “there's something about you and that football team that's similar. Unaona hopes?”

Ultimately, Paul’s letter reminds ministers that the work is worth it. Despite the frustrations, some seeds will take root, and God will bring the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). Like Paul, we’re called to be faithful stewards, trusting God to complete the good work He started (Philippians 1:6).  

So, whether your “Corinthians” are a friend, a fellowship, or fellow you bumped into, keep the faith—and maybe keep a metaphorical whip handy?😂 Be like Jesus 🤣