Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
In the midst of Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Christians, he has this section (chapters 12-14) that addresses the issue of “the gifts of the Spirit.” The diversity of those gifts has apparently caused some of the members to see themselves as more needed than others in the life of the Church. After talking about that issue through chapter twelve, he writes of the key ingredient that makes unity possible: the love that Jesus showed us with the way he lived and died. Paul begins by writing of the emptiness any of our gifts have if they are not accompanied by love. They are “nothing” without it.
Then he offers several descriptive words and phrases to help us understand what this love looks like in everyday relationships. The one that jumps out at me this time is this: “it is not self-seeking.” I am reminded of Jesus’ basic teaching about being his follower: one must “deny self” to start with (then “take up a cross and follow me”). Which phrase jumps out at you?
May we all continue to let the Holy Spirit create us anew so that each of these words and phrases more and more describe who we are, the people of Christ. It is his love that holds us together.
Personal Worship Option:
Pray this prayer or one in your own words. Lord of love, thank you so very much for the love you have shown to me and the whole world. Help me grow in your love every day. And help me live your love, first to my brothers and sisters in your Church as well as to everyone else I encounter. In your holy name I pray, Amen.
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