SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 11-14
Try to excel in (spiritual gifts) that build up the church. (1 Corinthians 14:12)
There are tensions in Corinth: head coverings, Lord’s Supper, spiritual gifts, worship.
People are more concerned about their opinions and desires, than others.
Paul is urging people to not divide the body over secondary issues.
This is why the love passage is at the heart of the controversial issues.
I have been a part of debates over these specific issues in the church today.
And sadly, often love is not the spirit of the debates.
Paul is saying we can be ‘right’ in all these areas, yet with no love we are wrong.
“If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)
There is nothing wrong with healthy discussions about what is true, what is best.
And there will always be diversity of expression of faith in the world and in the church.
But if love is not the common denominator, even when we differ, then “we are nothing”.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, there are many ‘churches’ and ‘denominations’, but to You there is only one Church, those who are bonded by faith, hope and love. May the world know that we are Your followers because of our love… even when we differ.