For Christ’s Sake

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10 — King James Version Holy Bible

That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10 — Berean Study Bible

Matthew Henry Commentary

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us. If God loves us, he will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what is asked for: as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love. When God does not take away our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives grace enough for us, we have no reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace.

Study Bible

Paul’s Thorn and God’s Grace
…9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 11I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.…

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

Author Unknown — Reprinted from the Knowing Jesus website

Human nature dictates that none of us can be content with weakness or insults. No-one delights in difficulties and distresses and naturally speaking none of us are happy to be persecuted or ridiculed by our fellow man. But this verse contains a very important modifying phrase – FOR CHRIST’s SAKE. It is for Christ’s sake that we are content to be insulted and to suffer persecutions and it is by His grace that we can be content in the middle of the difficulties and distresses that assail our lives.

It is for Christ’s sake that we are content in our weaknesses and insults. It is for Christ’s sake that we can be glad in our difficulties and rejoice in our distresses and it is for the sake of Christ Jesus our Lord that we can be content in persecution and pain. It is for CHRIST’s SAKE that we are also called to be content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions and with difficulties – for when I am weak, then I am strong.

It was for Christ’s sake that Paul could find contentment in so many difficult circumstances and it was for His sake that Paul was able to pen the words when I am weak, then I am strong. And we are called to follow in his footsteps and discover a godly contentment even when we are considered to be weak and foolish in the eyes of the world and beset by all sorts of problems and persecutions, knowing that our strength is found in the Lord – for in Christ we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us and gave Himself for us.

It was God’s grace that redeemed the murderous Saul of Tarsus when Christ met him on the road to Damascus and he turned to Christ for salvation and it was by God’s grace that Paul was enabled to confess: I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions and with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

The vital clue to understanding this verse is to recognise the significance of that little phrase: FOR CHRIST’s SAKE. We have been saved by grace through faith in Him and for His sake and His glory we should endeavour to graciously share the glorious gospel of Christ with those that insult us and cause us distresses and difficulties. For Christ’s sake we should be content to suffer various persecutions, pain and difficulties, knowing that He not only gives us the necessary strength to endure – but that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray that I may learn to be content in all things for Christ’s sake – and help me to be increasingly conscious of my own human weakness so that I may be supplied day by day.. by the strength of Your mighty power – so that Christ may be glorified in my life, to His praise and glory