Big Idea: The cross shapes our everyday lives.
As Paul concludes 1 Corinthians, we have seen the apostle’s response to a deeply divided church. Paul offered them a better way: where they could have unity in diversity, each sacrificing their own interests for the interests of others like Jesus had shown them. Love would be their supreme bond, as modeled in the cross, and their supreme hope would be the resurrection life won for them by their Savior. In his concluding remarks, Paul gives a few more basic instructions for Christian living. He tells them how to receive Timothy, how to handle offerings, and other miscellaneous matters. But his most important injunction is sweeping: let everything be done with love.
What if we took that seriously? Let your driving in traffic be done with love. Let the clothes you wear, the food you eat, and the things you drink be chosen with love. Pay your taxes, go to the store, and go to school with love. How would our world be different if every Christian faced every situation with the question “What would love do here?” There would be a lot less division and a lot less hypocrisy when our concern is no longer with our own reputation.
I have very few words today, because the point is simple. Just do it. And whatever it is, do it in love.
Discussion Idea: What situations or challenges bring out a lack of love in you?
Prayer Focus: Pray that God would keep His love in our minds at all times, so we would be quick to love others.
