Faith and Conviction

Leaving on the Right Note

Sometimes finding the right way to bring to a close a moment in time (like a discussion, a work relationship, tenure, or just saying goodbye with friends) can be uncomfortable. During these times, some may not want to say anything, while others may want to hear encouraging words. All relationships (even at with the clerk at a check-stand) have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Knowing this, we can see that “breaking the ice” has its nuances, but after the ice is broken there is a general free flow of information back and forth that is done fairly easily. What’s interesting is that no matter the time spent (whether mutually beneficial or mundane), the closing moments and thoughts are truly the most important. Interestingly some endings moments are known and foreseen, while others are not.

Closing Words
Departing on the right note (so as not to burn bridges or leave hurt feelings) is not a simple platitude it truly is divinely inspired. It is more than departing from the house on a good note telling your wife and family you love them and hope to see them later. It really leaves open future possibilities and whether there has been difficulty or harmony the departure leaves hope. Such is the case with Paul in II Corinthians:

     Finally, brethren, farewell.
     Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
     Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you.
     The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.
Amen.¹

Recall that Paul had chastised the Corinthians in the first letter and had more words of correction in the second, but Paul closed out this second epistle in an encouraging and promising way.

Paul’s Closing Words
The KJV and NKJV have Paul saying farewell, to 21st century readers this seems more like a goodbye, but the Greek word actually means rejoice.² Even in the midst of trials, tribulations, and corrections there needs to be rejoicing. Remember, Paul did have a confrontational engagement with the brethren, yet he encourages them to rejoice.

Next, in the KJV, Paul told the brethren to be perfect, interestingly the NKJV and NASB use the word complete, where the ESV says aim for restoration. This thought is just as important as rejoicing. Paul knows that together, he and the church at Corinth, endured some hard times. When difficulties have been traversed, and struggles have been addressed and endured, there is a need for all involved to rejoice and seek active restoration, making complete, making the strained relationship perfect.

Following an encouraging word for them to restore, Paul further encouraged the saints to be of good comfort. This Greek word also carries the idea of encouraging.³ Paul wants the brethren to be encouraging to one another while enduring trials, bearing one another’s burdens, and in general sense doing good. There are many ways disciples can encourage another. It seems proper to conclude that Paul wants the brethren to help other through encouragement. If the brethren are encouraging each other, it is certain that that this can be comforting to the church.

Next, Paul tells them to be of one mind (KJV), the ESV says agree with one another. This is probably the most difficult of the closing thoughts. It truly is difficult, a real challenge, to agree with your brethren. There are personalities that sometimes seem so powerful that true agreement is just a dream, but with Christ all things are possible. It seems that the only way for agreement to ever be achieved is that the disciples sacrifice their egos and selfish pride where each disciple seeks to esteem everyone else better than themselves.⁴

For us, the last item we will look at is the idea of living in peace. Paul encourages these brethren to find a way to be at peace with each other. It seems that this is another area that is problematic at best. Interestingly, some families seem to thrive on strife. Making it appear that if they did not have strife as their common factor, then they would have nothing. But the church, the family, and the disciple should rejoice knowing strife can be overcome because it is only a simple, yet destructive, device used by the adversary. However, to begin having peace, each person must be willing to submit to each other.⁵

Conclusion
Paul left words of encouragement and wisdom with the Corinthians. These are the kind of words that disciples, regardless of time period, should leave with brethren, family, friends, and enemies alike. May the Lord help us to leave on the right note with all our of relationships and seek to be like Paul and follow him as he followed Christ.⁶