READING: Psalms 79-83, 1 Corinthians 1
Every time I read 1 Corinthians 1, I’m amazed by what Paul writes. He writes to the “saints by calling” (1 Cor 1:2) in Corinth, and he expresses his deep and ongoing gratitude for them: “I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor 1:4). God had given these believers spiritual gifts, and their lives had proven the transforming power of the gospel. God would sustain them until the end, “blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 1:8).
What amazes me is that Paul knew the Corinthians well—and he knew that he was going to address some hard issues in this letter. The believers in Corinth were divided. They almost celebrated sin among themselves. They were suing each other in court. They were arguing over who had the best spiritual gifts. We could likely go on and on about the problems in that congregation, but Paul still saw in them the hand of God at work. He still believed that God would use the Corinthians for His glory—and the apostle was genuinely grateful for them.
I read those words, and I’m reminded of my need to be grateful for the people of God.
Even the ones who sometimes drive me crazy….
PRAYER: “Lord, teach me to be grateful for Your children, even when they’re struggling in their walk with You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 84-88, 1 Corinthians 2:1-3:4
