Title: How to Live Among Messy People?
Text:
1 Corinthians 1:2-4 (ESV)
2 To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus,
1 Corinthians 16:23 (ESV)
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
Observation:
I have had this text on my mind and in my heart for several days. I have been praying over them, and internalizing them as choice food for a hungry soul.
These two passages; the beginning of the letter, and the end of the letter provide bookends that give me hope for today, and tomorrow. In between these two passages are lots of problems; people with messy lives. In the midst of the mess; we have this exhortation from the Apostle Peter.
1 Peter 4:8 (ESV)
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
The first century Church had people with messy lives, and the Church of the 21st century have people who have messy lives. This is the question of the day: Are you willing to love the beloved?
What does Jesus say about the matter?
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Notice that this is a commandment; not a suggestion. We don't need to study this, we need to obey it. God is looking for a people who will trust and obey.
The Apostle Paul was able to serve and live among messy people because he loved them. He was willing to love "those sanctified in Christ Jesus". Do you love one another?
Prayer:
Father God, my dear Father, I thank You for the love that saves us, the grace that covers us, and the faith that enables us to trust in You, and obey You. Father, help us to be dispensers of the love, grace, and mercy that we have received from You. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
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Matthew 4:4 (HCSB)
4 But He answered, "It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Psalm 2:8 (HCSB)
8 Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance and the ends of the earth Your possession.
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