Bersyukur atas Pengalaman Buruk

 

"Bahkan kami merasa, seolah-olah kami telah dijatuhi hukuman mati. Tetapi hal itu terjadi, supaya kami jangan menaruh kepercayaan pada diri kami sendiri, tetapi hanya kepada Allah yang membangkitkan orang-orang mati" - 2 Korintus 1: 9. 

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Bersyukur atas Pengalaman Buruk

Bacaan hari ini menggambarkan bagaimana Rasul Paulus bersyukur atas pengalaman buruk dan berat yang dialami. Ayat 9 menjelaskan bahwa pengalaman itu seperti dijatuhi hukuman mati. Sangat berat dirasakan. Tetapi Rasul Paulus tidak mengandalkan kekuatannya sendiri, tetapi dia berserah kepada Tuhan. 

Memang disaat kita menjalani proses yang sulit ini, ada begitu banyak tekanan dan beban yang menindih kita. Mempersalahkan diri sendiri dan orang lain atas apa yang telah terjadi, membuat kita kehilangan nafsu makan, sulit tidur, kesulitan berinteraksi dengan orang lain, dan menyebabkan stress. 

Tetapi sebagaimana Rasul Paulus, setelah melewati perjalanan yang begitu berat, Rasul Paulus mendapatkan kekuatan baru dan menghibur orang-orang yang sedang menjalani hal buruk dalam hidup mereka. Kita bisa memberikan penghiburan dan kekuatan kepada saudara-saudara kita karena kita memahami benar perjalanan yang mereka lalui, karena kita sudah melewatinya.  

Kita sebagai orang percaya dan beriman kepada Tuhan meyakini bahwa kita pasti bisa melewati pengalaman buruk ini jika kita berjalan bersama dengan Tuhan. Bahkan semua proses berat itu menjadikan kita lebih baik dari sebelumnya, dan mampu menguatkan dan menghibur saudara-saudara kita. 

Pengalaman buruk membuat kita bertumbuh, dan membuat kita tahan uji. Disaat inilah kita membuktikan iman yang kita miliki adalah iman yang sejati, sehingga ungkapan syukur akan kita sampaikan tidak hanya lewat mulut tapi lewat hati kita. 

Marilah kita selalu bersyukur dalam setiap keadaan hidup kita, diaat senang maupun sulit. Amin. 

Refleksi dari 2 Korintus 1: 1-11 oleh Meist. 

(Dengarkan podcastnya disini)

 

Not rely on ourselves

"Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead." – 2 Corinthians 1:9

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Grateful for Bad Experiences

Today's reading describes how the Apostle Paul gave thanks even for the difficult and painful experiences he endured. Verse 9 explains that the experience felt like receiving a death sentence. It was extremely heavy and overwhelming. Yet Paul did not rely on his own strength; instead, he surrendered himself to God.

Indeed, when we go through difficult processes, there are many pressures and burdens weighing us down. Blaming ourselves or others for what has happened can cause us to lose our appetite, struggle to sleep, have difficulty interacting with others, and experience stress.

However, like the Apostle Paul, after going through such a difficult journey, he received renewed strength and was able to comfort those who were experiencing hardships in their lives. We too can offer comfort and strength to our brothers and sisters because we truly understand the journey they are going through—we have gone through it ourselves.

As believers who have faith in God, we are confident that we can overcome bad experiences if we walk with Him. In fact, every difficult process shapes us into better people and enables us to strengthen and comfort others.

Bad experiences help us grow and build endurance. It is in these moments that we prove our faith is genuine, so that our thanksgiving comes not only from our lips but from our hearts.

Let us always give thanks in every circumstance of our lives—whether in times of joy or difficulty. Amen.

 

Reflection from 2 Corinthians 1:1–11 by Meist.

Many who oppose

"a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me." - 1 Corinthians 16:9

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In this passage, Paul speaks of the practical realities of church life. He shows how faith translates into logistics, finances and relationships.

First, Paul provides instructions for the "collection for the Lord’s people." Paul asks the community to set aside money "on the first day of every week." That is, in a regular manner, showing that faithfulness is found in the habits, not just one-time emotional impulses.

Everyone is supposed to contribute "in keeping with their income." Helping is not about the amount, but about the heart and readiness to respond to others' needs within own means. Paul insists also on transparency, mentioning that he will send approved men to carry the gift. He teaches us that spiritual work requires also integrity and honesty in administrative tasks.

Second, in verses 5-9, Paul shares his itinerary. Here, he also admits in verse 9 that "a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me." Those "many who oppose" do not discourage him. On the contrary, to him, the presence of adversaries is a sign that the works are meaningful and worth effort. Paul does not seek the path of least resistance; he is steady and firm in his goal of proclaiming the Gospel and he seeks the path of greatest impact. 

Finally, Paul calls for hospitability towards Timothy. He shows also respect to plans and opinions of Apollos, accepting his decision not to go to Corinth this time. This shows how we should treat our co-workers, being supportive where necessary and respectful of others' opinions.

Thus, this passage reminds us that our faith and devotion to Christ is shown not only in prayers and spiritual exercises but also in the details of how we treat people and how we plan and carry out our works. All of our actions should reflect our faith and point toward God who is the source of all graces and strength to carry on.

Reflection on 1 Corinthians 16:1-12 by Agata Wierzbowska