Today’s reading: Isaiah 56-59, Psalm 70, 1 Corinthians 16
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).
As Paul was closing out his first letter to the Church at Corinth, he challenged them with instructions on what to do while they awaited his next visit:
- Be on their guard against spiritual dangers
- Stand firm in their faith
- Be courageous
- Be strong
- Do everything in love
Not only were these instructions meant for first century Christfollowers waiting for Paul’s next visit, they are also meant to guide our behavior as we await for Christ’s return. In this list of five, which one is the hardest for you?
The older I get and the more divisive this country gets I must admit it is sometimes hard for me to consistently do everything in love. It isn’t like I usually go around being rude or hateful to others, but being loving in all things requires a different level of intentionality all the time. Even when I’m tired or frustrated, doing everything in love means I am consistently patient, humble, forgiving, and unselfish. How do I know this? Paul devoted the whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 to a complete description of what it looks like when we love others like Jesus loves us.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Love always…protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.
Doing everything in love means this is how I need to show up all the time.