Pureness, Knowledge, Long-suffering, Kindness, the Holy Ghost and Love 2 Corinthians 6:6

Paul the apostle told the Corinthian church members how he and his companions were, “in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God”, and he added, “ in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings”. In chapter six and verse six of Second Corinthians, Paul adds to his list, “pureness, knowledge, long-suffering and kindness” where we read:

By pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

The verse begins, “By pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness,...” Paul began with the words, “by pureness” which means “through purity, chastity and uprightness of life”, “by knowledge” or “general intelligence, understanding and deeper more perfect and enlarged knowledge of this religion”, “by long-suffering” refers to “patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness and perseverance” “by kindness” or “goodness or gentleness”. Paul added “purity, understanding, patience and gentleness” to he and his companion's attributes.

The verse continues, “by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,” Paul added the words, “by” which means “with and though” “the Holy Ghost” or “the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, co-eternal with the Father and the Son”, “by” which means “with and through” “love” or “affection, goodwill, benevolence and unconditional brotherly love” “unfeigned” which means “disguised, sincere and without dissimulation”. “The Holy Spirit” of God through His “sincere affection and goodwill” was the impetus through which Paul and his companions were able to endure their afflictions.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see the “power” behind enduring “hardships and afflictions”. God's “Holy Spirit” empowers His believers to withstand difficulties and troubles while maintaining “purity, understanding, patience and gentleness”. Jesus Christ desires to give every person the “power” of His “Holy Spirit”, and those who are wise shall receive Him into their lives and enjoy His “sincere and undisguised love”.

Next time we see Paul adds to his list as he adds, “the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.