Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NLT).
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
Paul echoes a command to God’s people from the time of the Exodus: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). As a variety of people threatened the fledgling Hebrew nation then, many oppose the growing Christian movement. Paul reminds the Corinthians (and us) of this blessing now offered to all people.
Paul adds “do everything in love”, remembering Christ’s command to love one another. Earlier in this letter we read “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love is the fuel for all God’s gifts; if we don’t do it for His glory and in His love, it is wasted.
Jesus came to be the sacrifice for our failure, but also the example of what a life truly devoted to God can be. We can be like Him when we repent of our sin and follow the path of love He has shown us. We can be part of the kingdom work and share the Good News with everyone.
Heavenly Father, thank You for human examples of Jesus who have faithfully carried the word to generations of Your children. May we bring Your word and Your love to all people. Amen.
