Gospel Reading Plan: Acts 17-18
Paul’s First Letter to
the Corinthians: DAY 17
READ 1 Corinthians
12:27 – 13:13
In your journal, write
down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to
what God shows you as you feel led.
1 Corinthians 13 is not an unfamiliar chapter, but
reading it in context puts it in a bit of a different light than hearing it
exclusively at a marriage ceremony, as is often done. Paul has just explained
the importance of unity as the Spirit gives different gifts to different people
and has also urged the Corinthians to earnestly desire the higher gifts (those
that do more to build up the church). But then he says something wonderful and
mysterious: “And I will show you a still
more excellent way.” (v 31) If we couldn’t be blessed enough by the
creative and wonderful gifts given by the Spirit, there is something that is
even greater still! It is into this context that Paul writes the renowned “Love
Chapter”. In and of themselves the gifts have no good; they must be accompanied
by love. Verses 4-7 take on a fresh view when read with the knowledge of the
church’s struggle with pride and comparison in relation to their giftings.
When Christ returns, many of the gifts will no longer be
necessary, such as prophesy and healing. The Healer and the One to which
prophesy points will be with us. But faith, hope and love will continue
eternally as we will continue eternally, and the greatest of these is love.
PRAYER AND MEDITATION
1. Let
the Lord speak to you through this chapter. Ask Him what He wants to reveal to
you from it.
2. Ask
God to show you things you have done without love as your motive even though
they seem like good things on the outside. What has your true motive been?
3. How
can you work on love today? In yesterday’s devotional you were asking God how
to combat the disunity in your heart (comparison, jealousy or arrogance). Ask
Him how love can help you in the battle.
4. Take
some time to ask God for a revelation of His love for you. Don’t just get up
and leave your devotions, but sit and wait to see what He may have to show you.
