If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
1 Corinthians 12:26//
As Christians, how often we forget that we are part of a single body. We are honored together and we suffer together. Lord, help me to honor other parts of the body, rather than make them suffer.
Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God — even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
1 Corinthians 10:32-33//
I find it interesting that Paul tried to do the impossible, which is to “please everyone in every way.” I am glad the writer of the New Testament shared many of my human struggles.
Colossians 4:18
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.//
When we have “chains” in our lives, perhaps the grace of God becomes more real to us.
Colossians 4:17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”//
May this be true of me: completing the ministry God has given me.
What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.
1 Corinthians 9:18//
The greatest reward for preaching is not money; rather, it is being able to share the good news about Christ and watching people come to Him.
Colossians 4:14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.//
Luke had a quiet ministry of medicine, friendship, and writing a gospel. What an unsung hero.
Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
1 Corinthians 7:5//
One of the tricks Satan uses is to exploit my lack of self-control. I must be on guard for this tactic of the enemy.
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.
1 Corinthians 6:12//
Just because I “can” do something does not mean I “should.” For sin is the master of those who do anything they want.
My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.
1 Corinthians 4:4//
I do not need to be sinless to have a clear conscience.
If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
1 Corinthians 3:15//
Apparently, some people will barely make it into Heaven.