Definition: [And] lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and [that] I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Corinthians 12:21. It's a really important passage about facing difficult times and acknowledging mistakes. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Paul is writing to his church, and he’s worried about the future – about himself and the whole community of believers. He’s anticipating a time when he will return to them, and he's anxious about how they will react. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And [and] lest…” : This is a word from Greek that means "if only if" or "in case." It’s a way of saying “because of this, there’s a possibility.” “…my God will humble me among you…” : This is the key part. Paul isn't just worried about himself . He’s anticipating a time when he’ll be challenged and tested – perhaps through difficult situations or people. He believes that God wants to make him learn something important. “Humble” means to become smaller and more modest, often in the eyes of others. “…and [that] I shall bewail many which have sinned already…” : This is about acknowledging wrongdoing. "Sin" here refers to actions we do that are wrong or immoral – things like adultery, lust, or other behaviors that go against God’s law and our values. “Bewail” means to mourn or lament (to feel sorrow for something). “…and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.” : This is a specific list of things Paul sees as particularly harmful – actions like adultery, lust, sexual misconduct, and other behaviors considered morally wrong. “Repent” means to turn away from something you've done wrong and to feel remorse. So, what’s the overall message? Paul isn't saying that he will be completely ruined by these sins. He’s acknowledging that they – the people of the church – have already fallen short of God’s standards. He anticipates a time when he will confront them with their mistakes and realize that they need to change. Why is this important? This verse speaks about: Accountability: It reminds us that we are all accountable to God, and we must take responsibility for our actions. Forgiveness & Redemption: It suggests a possibility of forgiveness and redemption – the chance to turn back from sin and be reconciled with God. The Importance of Repentance: Paul is urging them to actively seek repentance – to change their ways and move away from these harmful behaviors. In short, this verse is a call to prepare for a time of serious testing and reflection, where we need to acknowledge our mistakes and strive to live more faithfully. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you a related story or example?