Devotion:
Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-22.
Paul is writing to people he loves in Corinth, brothers and sisters in Christ who he led in establishing the Church in that city. They had sent word to him about several issues that were going on in the church which they did not know how to handle. At times he praises them and at others he expresses deep concern about their behavior. At verse 17, he is clear that what he is about to discuss is of deep concern. In this case, it is how some of them are behaving when they come together for the Lord’s Supper. They would gather for a community meal, at which they would then partake of what we call “Communion.” But their actions were showing that they had no sense of community; no thought about the needs of others among them. Paul is reminding them that love for each other is just as important as love for God. As Jesus had emphasized with his disciples, love for each other would be the defining characteristic of those connected to him.
We need constant reminders that our faith is more than just a private matter. It is more than just a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is about living our lives and relating to other people as he taught us to do. This situation in Corinth was just one practical example where those Christians were failing to be the people of Christ. May it cause each of us to more deeply examine the practices of groups in which we participate, helping us to constantly improve our ways to be more in line with the teachings and Spirit of our Lord.
Personal Worship Option:
What groups are you part of in the life of the Church? (Those can include groups for study, for service, for outreach, along with other purposes. If you are not in a small group, please contact our church office to inquire about getting connected to one.) What practices of your group might need to be changed to better align with the way of Christ?
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