Indeed, this is our boast: The testimony of our conscience is that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, with godly sincerity and purity, not by human wisdom but by God’s grace. (2 Corinthians 1:12)
I found that last phrase interesting. I would have expected Paul to say, “not by human wisdom but by God’s wisdom.”
But instead, he says, “not by human wisdom but by God’s grace.”
Why that contrast?
Maybe his point was, “I don’t want you to be impressed by me and the wisdom I have. I want you to be impressed by the grace of God working in me.
“I want you to be touched by how gracious God has been to such a flawed person like me.
“When you see the passion I have for Christ, I want you to see it flowing not from feelings of pressure to win his approval, but flowing from a heart that is at peace knowing he has already accepted me.
“And I want you yourself to come away from me refreshed and rested because of the grace flowing out of me.”
I wonder if people see that in me. A person marked by grace.
Lord, let me be such a man.