God Spurs Love to Build the Church
Background Context of 1Cor 13/14:
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;
love does not envy…
It does not demand its own way…
It is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs…
Love never gives up, never loses
faith, is always hopeful & endures
through every circumstance.
Love Never Fails (1Cor 13:4-8).
For… now I know in part…
And now these three remains:
faith, hope and love. But the
greatest of these is love (v12-13).
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 & constantly for me;
and I purpose to Love You more.
Help me Lord to Love Others,
even when it’s difficult to do so;
& lead me to be others-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 fall into despair; and
so Increase my Faith; grant me the
steadfastness to persevere in faith.
At times I’m fearful of the future;
Increase my Hope & grant me the
solid assurance to rise above fear.
And Lord, I can have bitterness
toward situations & people; and so
grant me compassion for others and
grace to Persevere In Love. Amen.
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 realize & not presume
that ministry sacrifices can be
substitutes for really loving pple.
Show me Lord where I have not
been loving in the busyness of life;
and show me who I could behave
more lovingly in the days ahead.
More Love, More of You in my life
For You’ve called me to love. Amen