When we have difficult times isn’t it good to have someone to fall back upon? The church is meant to be that kind of place. We should have a small group that we can trust. We should have a close friend whom we can trust. The key to developing that kind of joy-giving intimacy is to give support unconditionally. Can you find strength in the Holy Spirit to unconditionally be supportive to someone?
2 Corinthians 6: 18- 7:7, 8: 1-5
- What three things lead to Paul overflowing with joy in his affliction?
- How did God comofort Paul in Macedonia?
- How did joy and poverty overflow in the churches of Macedonia?
- Describe te relationship of Paul with the churches.
- describe your relationship with church and church members.
Going Deeper
Observation
- What does the Lord Almighty say?
- Having these promises what should we do?
- What does Paul not want to do to the Corinthians?
- How does Paul describe the strength of the heart felt feelings between him and Corinth?
- To whom did the Macedonians give themselves?
Interpretation
- What verses are quoted at the end of chapter 6?
- Where is Corinth? What can you find out about it?
- Where is Macedonia? What can you find out about it?
- What is Paul’s aim in the book of 2 Corinthians?
- How do the surrounding verses shape the context?
Application
- How is your relationship with God a catalyst for cleansing?
- From what do you still need to be cleansed?
- Do you have a particular friend who encourages you? How could you encourage them?
- How could you look on your church positively and be mutually supportive?
- How can giving to mission work lead to joy?
Plymothian 
There’s been a tremendous tension in the area of loving fellow Christians fiercely in my life going on for a while. I believe that the plain message of the Bible regarding same-sex sexual behavior is clear: it is destructive. But, that said, there are entire denominations peppered with real Christians that support gay monogamy as being celebrated by the Almighty Creator. This is not good. But my duty is to love them and fellowship with them.There are more questions than answers for me here. When is it ok not to bring it up? Is there ever a time in which one should bring it up (should it not arise on its own)? What does it mean here to speak the truth in love? How have I failed to love gays and transgendered people? How can I do so better? How am I, as a hopeful future Anglican priest, to engage the Anglican Communion with the current international controversy surrounding the denomination, particularly the American facet, over this issue? How am I to engage individual Anglican believers?I don’t know. But I know one thing: I have Christ to fall back on, and I have Christian brothers and sisters to journey with me, most notably my beloved fiancée.