Undoubtedly, prayer will be our response to any all situations. Our communion with our great God – the Creator and Sovereign Lord is preeminent over all! “For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.” Psa. 95:3
We believe God’s communion with us through Jesus, has revealed His Spirit’s perfect intercession for us (Rom. 8:26-30). “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Heb. 4:16
1 CORINTHIANS 13 | LOVE WILL BE OUR RESPONSE
One of the most recognized passages in the New Testament is the Love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13. It is known as the “Wedding Passage” in our modern culture. But Paul’s intention and context is far from a “wedding or marriage” situation.
A DIVIDED CHURCH
In the opening chapter, verse 10, Paul clearly provides one of the main reasons for challenging and guiding the church (not the world, but Christians).
“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” (1 Cor. 1:10 NLT)
Oh my! It would seem to be a miracle if God’s people – the church, would be unified in love: of one mind, united in thought and purpose! What in the world would that look like?
A UNITED CHURCH IN JESUS’ LOVE
My challenge as a Christian – a pastor… is to live out 1 Cor. 13:4-7!
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
The well-known “love” chapter is Paul’s command for us to unite in thought, heart, and purpose.
Jesus commands us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER! “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 (NLT)
I will soon write more about my encouragement for Christians to “not divide” over topics like the end times, rapture/second coming, prophecy, and politics.
