A New Perspective on Strength and Weakness

16th November, 2011 - Posted by Cindy S. - No Comments

When we speak excessively or in exaggerated ways about our possessions, skills, or gifts, we are boasting.  As we know, boasting is not the most admirable quality and can get in the way of fulfilling relationships.  I’ve always worked hard to keep a check on myself in this area, however during a recent bible study I gained new insight into boasting from the Apostle Paul.

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul says, “I must go on boasting.”  Boasting about what?  How his effective speaking led a great number of Jews and Gentiles to belief in Christ or how the Lord enabled him to do miraculous signs and wonders? (Acts 14:3)  No. Paul is referring to boasting about his weaknesses and suffering.  Wait a minute.  This was new and different teaching for me and very different from the world’s perspective on boasting.  Don’t people tend to hide weakness and avoid suffering?  Paul says, “But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).  Paul’s focus is entirely on God.  It is God’s grace and power that we boast about.  We no longer need to be ashamed of our weaknesses or avoid any suffering.  For the sake of Christ and through Christ we find the strength and courage to face our difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong in Christ.  Praise the Lord!

- Cindy Sung, Associate Clinical Social Worker