Definition: For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to [answer] them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Corinthians 5:12. Itās a really interesting and complex passage, so weāll go through it step-by-step. Hereās the gist of what it means: This verse is essentially saying that Christians are interested in helping others understand God's truth, but they donāt want to be involved in their own glory or pride. Itās a bit like being drawn to someone ā youāre interested in them, but youāre not trying to impress them with your own achievements. Let's unpack it further: āFor we commend not ourselves again unto youā¦ā - This means Christians arenāt bragging about themselves or trying to show off their good works. They're focusing on helping others understand God's message, rather than seeking praise for themselves . Itās a shift in focus from self-promotion to service. āā¦but give you occasion to glory on our behalfā¦ā - This is the key part. It means that by sharing this truth with others, we are providing opportunities for them to show what God's love and goodness is . We're giving them a chance to reflect the truth of God in their own lives. Itās about making people think about Godās character. āThat ye may have somewhat to [answer] them which glory in appearanceā¦ā ā This is where it gets more nuanced. āGlory in appearanceā refers to people who are trying to appear good or impressive, maybe through their wealth, status, or accomplishments. The verse says that by sharing this truth, we can help them understand God's love and goodness, and ultimately, answer them ā which means give them something to think about - about what truly matters. In simpler terms: Christians are offering a chance for others to experience Godās goodness by learning from it. We donāt want to be the focus of their attention; instead, weāre helping them to understand God's truth through our words and actions. Overall Message: The verse is about humility and serving. Itās a call for Christians to be concerned with othersā spiritual growth and to offer them opportunities to discover Godās character. It emphasizes that true faith isn't about personal glory, but about helping others grow in understanding of God. Think of it like this: Youāre offering someone a delicious meal ā you donāt want to be the star of the show. Instead, you want them to enjoy it and learn something new about food and enjoyment. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like a more detailed explanation of the concept of "glory in appearance"?