2 Corinthians 5:11

Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)

فَبِدَافِعِ وَعْيِنَا لِرَهْبَةِ الرَّبِّ، نُحَاوِلُ إِقْنَاعَ النَّاسِ. وَلَكِنَّنَا ظَاهِرُونَ أَمَامَ اللهِ، وَأَرْجُو أَنْ نَكُونَ ظَاهِرِينَ أَيْضاً فِي ضَمَائِرِكُمْ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from 2 Corinthians 5:11 tells us that because of the fear of God, we work hard to convince others about their faith. Paul is speaking here, reminding his audience that they are seen clearly by God and hopefully also recognized in the consciences of those they're trying to persuade.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a big test coming up and you know it’s really important. You work hard to study because you don’t want to disappoint your parents or teacher. That's kind of like what this verse is saying: we try our best because we respect God, and we hope others see that too.

Historical Background

This letter was written by Paul around 53-57 AD to the church in Corinth. At this time, there were tensions within the community, and Paul uses his authority as an apostle to address these issues while encouraging them with messages of love and unity under Christ.

Living It Out Today

In today’s world, this verse can apply when you're trying to convince someone about the importance of faith or doing what's right. Like a coach pushing their team hard because they believe in them, we should also work earnestly, knowing our efforts are seen by God and hopefully acknowledged by those around us.

Topics

• faith
• persuasion
• God's judgment
• conscience
• authority
• motivation

Related Verses

• Ephesians 5:21
• Philippians 4:8-9
• Hebrews 4:13
• 1 Peter 3:14-16
• Jeremiah 17:9

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'terror of the Lord' mentioned in this verse?

The 'terror of the Lord' refers to the awe or respect one feels for God, which can motivate a person to act righteously out of fear of judgment and desire to please Him.

How does Paul use persuasion in his ministry?

Paul uses persuasion by appealing to people's conscience and reasoning with them about the importance of faith and living according to God’s standards, as seen in this verse from 2 Corinthians.

What role does conscience play in understanding this passage?

Conscience plays a crucial role as it reflects our inner awareness of right and wrong. Paul hopes that those he persuades will recognize his sincerity through their own sense of conscience.

How can we apply 2 Corinthians 5:11 in our daily lives?

We can apply this verse by working hard to live our faith authentically and trying to influence others positively, knowing that God sees all efforts and hopes they recognize them as well.