The Word of God for wisdom:
Proverbs 22:1 (NLT)
Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
The Word of God for inspiration:
Psalm 40:1 (NKJV)
I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.
The Word of God for encouragement:
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done with love.
1 Corinthians 16:23-24 (NKJV)
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
My observation:
Today we come to the conclusion of our walk through the book of 1 Corinthians. Paul closes this letter with a benediction and a blessing.
There is nothing more needful in the church today than the gifts of grace and love. Paul had to rebuke this church because of their wrongdoings. His act of benevolence is a rebuke to many of us today. Rebuke and love go together. We focus far too much on rebuke, and too little on love.
Revelation 3:19 (NKJV)
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
Notice that the Apostle Paul loved all the saints; even those who needed to be rebuked. If we want to "hate the sin", a good place to start is the sin in our own lives. We would do will to spend more time loving one another.
John 15:12 (NKJV)
12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 13:35 (NKJV)
35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Preach and teach the word of God. The Lord knows the whole story, and he is better at the rebuking than we are.
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful for the love, grace, and the forgiveness that you have given to me.
Father God, may I have the will and the way to give to others what I have received from you. In Jesus name, Amen.
--
1 Corinthians 1:2-3 (HCSB)
2 To God's church at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord—⌊both⌋ their Lord and ours.
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment