Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 10Sample

One thing is for certain in our lives: where we work with people, the possibility of feuds and disputes is a certainty. People are different, and those differences cause difficulties in relationships.

When it comes to church, being church, and the relationship with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, it’s almost as if we believe these disruptions are not supposed to happen. But the reality is it does. And we have this inner desire that your brother or sister in Christ will live with the same values as you do. Live according to the same principles. But the reality is, they do not necessarily. Because, as Paul says, they might still be immature in their walk of faith.

Even more so when we work with people outside our local church family – family, friends, work colleagues, etc. As Christians, we desire to live a life that glorifies God. But our everyday life is sometimes overwhelmed with burdensome relationships. Relationships we find challenging.

Paul concludes his letter to the Corinthian church with this last and final greeting by encouraging the church, us as believers, with these words. He knows that confrontation is necessary. And specific scenarios will call out confrontation. Thus, this encouragement. To strive for restoration… to encourage one another. Be mindful of one another and live in peace with one another. In verse 9, Paul states, “We pray that you will become mature.” With Christ’s accomplished work on the cross, we are empowered within with the strength to endure, that even though people are different, we can strive for restoration, for maturity. Work for peace so that the Love of God will be evident in everything we do.