Your Thorn in the Flesh

After speaking of some incredible privileges granted to him by God, the Apostle Paul speaks of his thorn in the flesh. 2 Corinthians 12:7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. The thorn Paul was speaking of was something beyond his control. He is not speaking of some sinful proclivity or besetting sin. Of course, one could presume that the thorn tormenting him could have very easily provided a pathway to sin. Today, as we deal with people in difficult places, we may need to expand the discussion beyond the emotional, spiritual, and ethical dimensions. A thorn in the flesh may be a genetic predisposition toward sinful behavior. The Bible defines the sinful behavior. The predisposition toward a particularly destructive behavior may be in the genes rather than the psyche. So what are we to do? I say we reach out in love rather than judgment. You ask, "What is the loving thing to do?" Extend a cup of cold water in Jesus name. Be willing to walk with people as you model and share God's gracious standard as found in Jesus Christ. Don't jump to conclusions, give people the benefit of the doubt.