2 Corinthians 10:14-16  We are not reaching beyond these boundaries when we claim authority over you, as if we had never visited you. For we were the first to travel all the way to Corinth with the Good News of Christ. Nor do we boast and claim credit for the work someone else has done. Instead, we hope that your faith will grow so that the boundaries of our work among you will be extended. Then we will be able to go and preach the Good News in other places far beyond you, where no one else is working. Then there will be no question of our boasting about work done in someone else’s territory. (NLT)

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Reading these words from Paul reminds us of Jabez and his prayer. 

There was a man named Jabez who was more honorable than any of his brothers. His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful. He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul and Jabez lived lives that honored God and served others. God extended their territories as they did so. Each step of faithful obedience led to God’s blessing in new places among new groups of people. God loves everybody, and so should we. When we live to extend his love and grace, walls come down, new territories open up, and new people come to know true meaning and purpose.

The church in Corinth experienced many of the problems we see churches wrestle with today. Paul worked hard to help them root out these issues and lean into the unity that brings harmony and peace. He states this explicitly as he concludes this letter.

“Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Be joyful. Grow up. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. 

Paul loved that word harmony. It is evidence of God’s presence and power among a group of people who truly know God and seek his will. It is what happens when hearts unite around God’s purpose. Harmony occurs when we extend God’s grace together beyond our present boundaries. 

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I will ask God to extend my boundaries as I live with the intention of wholehearted obedience and deepening harmony.

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Our Father, you have enlarged my territory again and again. Please, do it again for the benefit of others and for your glory. Empower me to carry your grace and love that produces harmony. Amen.