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Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

Read 2 Corinthians 6:3–7:1

We live in this world. We have constant interaction with people of the world. We have powerful influences around us, wanting us to conform to the world. We can’t avoid having relationships with people who don’t share our faith. In fact, we are encouraged and challenged to build relationships with them, serve them and be Christ to them.

So, how are we supposed to understand Paul’s words about not being yoked together with unbelievers?

There may well be people we should not associate with, not because of who they are, but because of the evil influence they may have over us, especially in our faith. Any association with unbelievers that threatens our desire and ability to confess our Christian faith is to be avoided.

And more than that, those who have been saved by God’s grace through Jesus Christ can’t live like those who don’t know or keep God’s holy will. We can’t participate in their ways of life or share in their values or faith systems.

We have a much higher calling – one that challenges us to think carefully about how we interact with the world and to be bold in standing our ground in the face of temptation.

This call is from a gracious God who has committed himself to us and gives us all that we need to be able to grow to become the people he still wants us to be, reflecting his love and grace in all that we do.

Loving Lord, keep us holy. Please help us identify those things and those people in this world that may hinder our relationship with you. Surround us with your grace so we can grow to become more like you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mark Lieschke is a retired pastor living on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He served in parishes in South Australia, New Zealand and New South Wales before being elected as bishop of the LCANZ’s NSW and ACT District. Mark enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, walking on the beach and relaxing.

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So from now on we regard no-one from a worldly point of view … Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:16a,17)

Read 2 Corinthians 5:11–6:2

From a human point of view, Jesus can be considered a great man, prophet, freedom fighter, religious teacher and martyr. From a human point of view, when Jesus is viewed like this, the cross can only mean shame, weakness and defeat.

However, for those who are in Christ, the full truth of Christ is revealed. We’re given a new perspective of his life, death and resurrection. And more than that, we are recreated by him. A transformation has taken place. Everything old has passed away. And now we can see things from the perspective of the end when the new heavens and earth will be complete.

That means we can put away old attitudes and judgements against our fellow believers. Instead of making assumptions about them and having opinions based on how they look or what they are doing, we can look at them with new eyes.

Just as God has given us a new status, he has also made these people new creations. When God looks at me in Christ, he sees a forgiven sinner. When God looks at my sister or brother in Christ, he sees a forgiven sinner. Now, when I look at my fellow Christians through the eyes of faith, I can see them as a forgiven, restored, newly created child of God.

And that enables me to minister to them, serve them, honour them, support them, encourage them, forgive them, seek forgiveness from them, be reconciled to them, and uphold them as I uphold Christ himself.

What a difference that makes to Christian communities when this takes place. What a privilege it is for us to be part of such communities. What a challenge and encouragement it is to play our part in these communities.

Lord God, thanks for reconciling me to yourself through Jesus Christ. Open my heart and give me the strength to see others as you do. Help me to honour them as people who you love and care for. Forgive me when I fail you and others. Renew me each day by your grace in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Mark Lieschke is a retired pastor living on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. He served in parishes in South Australia, New Zealand and New South Wales before being elected as bishop of the LCANZ’s NSW and ACT District. Mark enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, walking on the beach and relaxing.

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

For in him every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes’. For this reason it is through him that we say the ‘Amen’, to the glory of God (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Read 2 Corinthians 1:12–22

Life is filled with uncertainty. People change, circumstances shift, and promises can be broken. But God is not fickle. His word is not uncertain. His promises are not fragile. In a world of shifting circumstances, hesitant commitments and broken assurances, God’s answer in Christ is a resounding ‘YES’!

Yes to grace. Yes to mercy. Yes to redemption. Yes to love that never fails. Yes to new life, new hope and a future secured in him. Every promise God has spoken finds its fulfilment in Jesus. There is no hesitation, backtracking or half measures; only abundant, overwhelming, unshakable assurance.

And here is the truth that sets us free: We don’t have to live in fear, questioning whether we are enough. We don’t have to second-guess God’s faithfulness or wonder if he will change his mind about us. In Christ, God has already said yes.

Yes, you are loved. Yes, you are forgiven. Yes, you are chosen. Yes, you are favoured. Yes, you belong to him.

The enemy whispers doubt, trying to convince us that we are disqualified and have strayed too far, and that God’s yes has somehow turned into a ‘no’.

But that is a lie. I repeat: That is a lie.

Scripture reminds us that all of God’s promises – every single one – find their answers in Christ. There is no condition, loophole, wavering; just the fullness of his yes, forever secure. So, live in the joy of this yes! Cast off fear, step toward faith and trust in the unwavering faithfulness of God. Let your life be an echo of his yes! And, as you do, declare your own Amen! So be it! To the glory of God!

Almighty God, you are the God of yes! Yes to grace, yes to mercy, yes to a love that never fails. Your yes is unshakable, unstoppable and undeniable. No fear, doubt or failure can silence your yes over my life. I stand in the fullness of your truth, rejecting every lie that tells me I am too far gone, too broken or too unworthy. Fill me with boldness, Lord. I walk in the power of your unbreakable truth. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen and Amen!