Daily Devotion, February 6, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-5.

1 Corinthians 13 is often referred to as the “love chapter,” because it describes love as we are supposed to exhibit it. Often and very fittingly read at weddings, this chapter indeed can apply to love shared in marriage, but it is more than that. In the preceding chapter, Paul teaches us about spiritual gifts. Then in Chapter 13, Paul teaches us how to live out our gifts in a spirit of love as Christ loved.

Among other things, today’s two verses call us to humility…we are not to boast, we are not to be prideful, and we are not to be self-seeking. This is counter cultural! I once had a professional counselor tell me I needed to change and become “less altruistic” if I was going to be successful as a leader in my career. I was puzzled by this, so I went back to the office and looked up “altruistic,” which means caring first for the needs and welfare of others. I thought carefully about the counselor’s advice and decided two things – 1) I was probably not as altruistic as he thought I was, and 2) his advice was not for me. The world teaches us to put ourselves first, but Christ calls us to love others in ways that put them first. Our relationship with Christ calls us to humility, not arrogance or pride.

Personal Worship Option:

Think about the opportunities you will have today or tomorrow to reflect the advice in these verses, showing humility before others. Pray that you will seize upon those opportunities when they arise and love as these verses call us to do.