1 Corinthians 16 Devotional

Love in the Ordinary Details

“Do everything in love.”1 Corinthians 16:14 (BSB)

The letter ends with practical business, and that is part of its lesson. Paul asks each believer to set aside some income on the first day of every week for the believers in Jerusalem (16:1-3). He holds his travel plans loosely, if the Lord permits (16:7). He asks them to welcome Timothy and to honor the household of Stephanas for serving the saints (16:10-18).

In the middle of these details come brief commands: stay alert, hold steady in the faith, be courageous and strong, and let love shape all they do (16:13-14). Paul warns that anyone who does not love the Lord is under a curse, and he cries out for the Lord to come (16:22). Yet his last words are the grace of the Lord Jesus and his own love for them all in Christ (16:23-24). The gospel of the risen Christ also shapes budgets, travel and hospitality. Because grace has the last word, you can bring steady love to the ordinary tasks ahead of you today.

To think about: Which ordinary task on your calendar this week could become a place to show love because of the grace you have received?