A New Year’s Benediction

Five Exhortations from 2 Corinthians 13:11–13

“These five exhortations provide a pattern by which to evaluate our lives and relationships in the family of God. How are you cultivating and modeling these qualities?”

—Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth

Rejoice!

Additional Reading:

  • Psalm 118:24
  • Luke 10:20
  • Philippians 4:4

Become Mature

Additional Reading:

  • 1 Corinthians 13:11
  • 1 Corinthians 14:20
  • Ephesians 4:11–15

Be Encouraged.

Additional Reading:

  • Romans 1:11–12
  • Colossians 2:2
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Be of the Same Mind.

“Agree with one another” (ESV)

Additional Reading:

  • Romans 1:11–12
  • Colossians 2:2
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Be at Peace.

Additional Reading:

  • Job 22:21
  • Mark 9:50
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice. Become mature, be encouraged, be of the same mind, be at peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send you greetings.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

— 2 Corinthians 13:11–13

Take It Home, Make It Personal

Reflection Prompts

  1. Pray through the list. Ask the Lord to help you grow in these areas in the year ahead.
  2. How can you intentionally keep these exhortations in mind in the new year?
  3. How can you challenge other followers of Jesus with the message of this passage?
  4. How could it impact the trajectory of your year if you commit to live out these exhortations?
  5. What gifts or helps does Paul promise will be with you at the end of this passage? How does that change your approach to living out these five exhortations?
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