A walk through 1 Corinthians

From: Paul, called to be an apostle of the Messiah Jesus by the will of God, and from our brother Sosthenes.
To: God's church in Corinth, to those who have been sanctified by the Messiah Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those every where who call on the name of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah-their Lord and ours. May grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, be yours!
I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given you by the Messiah Jesus. For by him you have become rich in every way-in speech and knowledge of every kind- while, our testimony about the Messiah has been confirmed among you. Therefore, you don't lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus the Messiah to be revealed. He will keep you strong until the end, so that you will be blameless on the Day of our Lord Jesus the Messiah. Faithful is the God by whom you were called into fellowship with his son Jesus the Messiah, our Lord.

I have started to reread this letter and am amazed how Paul starts this letter. If you have read this book, you know he is writing to correct some incorrect doctrine and behavior. These people have been immoral and inconsistent with a life set on the discipleship of Jesus. They have become self centered and unloving toward one another to the point of factions and divisions within the church. Yet Paul starts this letter with words of encouragement and confirmation of the work God has done in these peoples lives through grace.

So many times we see fellow believers around us not living up to our expectations and personal standards. Some truly are even in deception, but how do we respond? Do we come from a place of grace? Do we first remind others who they are in Christ? I appreciate Paul's love for the people and desire to edify and build up even when things don't look so neat and tidy.

Lord, I pray you give me the grace in moments when things look unsure, love when things seem distorted, and discernment for what is right in your sight. In Jesus name, Amen.

Location:S Lincoln St,Portland,United States