2CO 6:4-54But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; (2 Corinthians 6:4‑5)
In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities. . . in watchings.
2 Cor. 6:4-54But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; (2 Corinthians 6:4‑5)
How can we show ourselves to be real Christians in the circumstances which are listed in this verse? One of the ways is CHEERFULNESS. Christians ought to radiate inner joy even when tired, hungry, suffering, or frustrated. The word “watchings” means sleeplessness. Some justify grumpiness when they are tired or hungry. The Apostle Paul spent two weeks in a ship in a hurricane. Hunger and sleeplessness did not hinder him from speaking cheer to his shipmates. We recently had visitors who were on their way home after a long trip. We heard in advance that they were exhausted, but we were impressed by the cheery disposition of these ministers of God as they dragged into our home.