God Grants Love to Build the Church
Paul’s letter so far has dealt with problems of a personal nature. But now he addresses public issues in the Corinthian church: the veiling of women, the importance of the Lord’s Supper & the use of spiritual gifts. Worship must be characterised by propriety and orderliness. And spiritual gifts must be Exercised In Love, for the building up of the whole body of Christ. Only then is the church of God properly worshipping the God of the church.
Lord, we’ll Choose Way of Love: Love is patient and kind… It does not demand its own way… Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful & endures through every circumstance. Love never fails (1Cor13:4-8). And now these three remains: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (v13). Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy… Helping others… encouraging them (1 Cor 14:1-3)
Lord, Thank You for loving me, being with me and for me; and I purpose to love You more. Help me Lord to love others, even when it is difficult to do so. Help me to be other-centred. Enable me to express Your self- giving love to those You have put in my world. And show me ways to love unreservedly. Amen.
Lord, I can be tempted to despair; Increase my faith; grant me the steadfastness to persevere in faith. I have bitterness toward situations and people; Increase my love; grant me concern and compassion for others to persevere in love. At times I feel fear and faint hearted; Increase my hope; grant me the solid assurance of the future to rise above fear. In Jesus’ name.
Lord, help me to rest in Your love and so be able to give love freely to those in my life and influence. Help me to give love without condition and without judgment. Help me not to presume that ministry sacrifices are substitutes for really loving people. Show me where I have not been loving in recent busy days. And show me where I could act more lovingly in the days ahead. In His name. Amen.