Note 13 at 2 Cor. 6:6: Pureness is an essential quality for all Christians, especially ministers, which is in short supply. Pureness certainly includes actions, but is primarily referring to motive. Everyone, even ministers, will make mistakes, but our motives should always be pure. When our heart is pure, people can forgive our mistakes.

Note 14 at 2 Cor. 6:6: It is interesting that Paul puts pureness and knowledge together is his list of qualifications for ministers. Notice that pureness comes before knowledge. "Knowledge puffeth up but charity edifieth" (1 Cor. 8:1). A minister's motives must be right or knowledge can be used like a club (see note 13 at this verse).

On the other hand, it is not enough to just have good intentions. Ministers have to be educated in the things of God to truly help people. Much damage has been done by well meaning people who were ministers because they wanted to help people, but they didn't have God's Word to share. Therefore, they give human wisdom, which brings death instead of life (Rom. 8:6).

Note 15 at 2 Cor. 6:6: Paul is now stating that the Holy Spirit is the source and strength of all these virtues. No one could manifest these qualities in his own strength. It takes God to express the virtues of God upon this earth. He must be the source and ability of all we do.

Note 16 at 2 Cor. 6:6: Paul is now speaking about love that is genuine, sincere, and without hypocrisy. For a further understanding about this love and the Greek word "anupokritos" that is translated "unfeigned," see note 1 at Romans 12:9, page 829.