6 by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love,
In verses 6-7 Paul listed nine inner qualities necessary for ministry. It is not enough to endure the difficulties listed in verses 4 and 5, but it is vital to meet them with structured character (2 Co 6:6-7).
The first eight characteristics begin with “in,” translated “by” in our translation. The idea is that the team carried their character under challenging situations.
6 by purity,
“Purity” is practical righteousness of motive and actions. The team was “pure” in their walk before the Lord and others (1 Th 2:3). They had a clean slate before the Lord. The team never fell to moral impurity, regardless of their trials in ministry.
PRINCIPLE:
The best credential for ministry is genuine character and conduct.
APPLICATION:
It is easy to be transparent with others if who we are is genuine.
