How can we "boast" in each other as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 1:14? Our Shared Confidence in Christ “On the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast about us, and we will boast about you.” (2 Corinthians 1:14) What Paul Means by “Boast in Each Other” • “Boast” (Greek: kauchēsis) = joyfully exult, glory, take pride. • Paul is not praising human merit; he is celebrating God’s visible work in His people (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:31). • The mutual boasting looks forward to “the day of our Lord Jesus” when transformed lives will be displayed as evidence of authentic faith (Philippians 2:16). Healthy Ways to “Boast” in Fellow Believers Today • Celebrate God’s grace in their conversion and growth. – “For who makes you different? … What do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). • Speak of their faithfulness as proof of Christ’s power. – “We ourselves boast about you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith.” (2 Thessalonians 1:4). • Use testimonies to strengthen hope. – Romans 15:17: “I have reason to boast in Christ Jesus regarding what pertains to God.” • Honor spiritual fruit you personally benefit from. – Galatians 6:4 calls believers to “take pride in himself alone,” i.e., the Spirit’s work evident in his own life; similarly, we may recognize that work in others. Guardrails for God-Honoring Boasting • Keep Christ central—never boast in personality, skill, or numbers (Jeremiah 9:23-24). • Make sure commendation springs from truth, not flattery (Proverbs 27:2). • Let boasting end in worship, not rivalry (2 Corinthians 10:17). Promises That Motivate Mutual Boasting • Assurance of shared reward—“What is our hope, or joy, or crown of boasting? Is it not you?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). • Anticipation of perfected fellowship when Christ returns (1 John 3:2). • Confidence that every good work begun will be completed (Philippians 1:6). Practical Next Steps for Your Fellowship • Regularly recount God’s victories in each other’s lives in gatherings or written notes. • Publicly affirm servants who model Christlike character. • Share specific Scriptures that describe what you see God accomplishing in them. • Keep a running list of answered prayers connected to particular people and rejoice together. |
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