In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul shows the Corinthians three areas in which he sees a tension in their hearts. He reminds them of their ultimate purpose as believers, to be holy, set apart and distinct for Christ. Because of Christ, we can live a life that’s distinct because we can trust His grace to save us, His power to endure and His Spirit to change us.

What things about your body make you groan? It may be the aging process or something deeper: illness abuse, or a battle with sin. This passage reminds us that there will be a day when believers get a new body: one designed to live in a world with no sin, no death and no pain! Glory's coming! But while we're here, God has plans for you, plans that matter. While we're here, live as Christ's ambassador.

2 Corinthians 5 is filled with things God has already given us, beautiful gifts, to help and encourage us in the trials of this life. We have already been given the promise of a future, eternal home with God, a new motivation, a new perspective, and a new calling. Christ’s deep love for us should compel us to share the good news of Christ. That’s all God asks. Christ is God’s answer to everyone’s greatest problem and He is counting on us to tell them!

How do we endure life when suffering comes? We don’t lose heart, and we remember that Glory is coming. In this section, we learn how God shines His light in us, and enables us to allow our suffering to bring glory to God and life to others.

Paul spends 2 Corinthians 3 discussing the differences between the Old and New Covenants. God’s Spirit has come and He has changed everything! He provides evidence of a believer’s faith, makes them sufficient to be a minister of God, and brings about a glorious transformation in the lives of all who trust in Jesus!

We can learn from Paul that in Christ we can care and repair conflict situations when we forgive and restore. In Christ we are a fragrance to God and we triumph every time we share the gospel no matter the response of acceptance or rejection.

Paul encourages the Corinthian church to forgive a brother who has sinned and undergone punishment. He then speaks of his travel plans and his desire to hear how the Corinthian church responded to the "severe letter" (mentioned in 2 Cor. 2:1-4). Paul closes this section with encouragement that believers are the aroma of Christ, and regardless of how others respond to them living out the gospel, they are always triumphant.