NT25 FASTChikamu

Day 15: 1 Corinthians 8-2 Corinthians 1

Beth Guajardo, Executive Director at UPPERROOM

The love of God changes absolutely everything. When we can let ourselves be immersed and consumed by the love that He has for us, we see Him rightly, our identity is solidified and we can honor and serve others freely. In today’s scripture we are reading a letter that Paul wrote to the Corinthians addressing spiritual immaturity, division and immorality found in their church. As Paul addresses the issues one by one, he is calling them back to their identity in Christ. The “fix” for their issues is their understanding of the love that God has for them and how that should empower them to love and honor people around them.

It is all summed up so beautifully in 1 Corinthians 13 as Paul talks about if we are able to do amazing things for the church, but we aren’t filled with love, it’s useless. Sometimes we can get so busy doing this for God that we overlook our need to be filled with Him. When we submit ourselves to His love for us and our desperate need for Him, our minds are renewed. We can serve, worship, eat, resolve conflict, prophesy and live with divine purpose. When we are filled with His love, He is glorified and we are united as the body of Christ. When our identity is solidified in Christ and His love for us, it overflows into every area of our lives. The opposite also stands true. When we start to function out of our own giftings and do things for God instead of by His leading, that will create messes in all areas of our lives. Today, let’s acknowledge our need for Jesus, His love and His salvation. Let’s ask Him to speak His identity over us so that we can be fully united as the body of Christ. We live for the promise in 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 that “For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect will disappear.” Maranatha!

Prayer: Holy Spirit, please show me areas where I have not let Your love transform me. Thank you for mercies that are new every morning. I submit my mind, my will and my emotions to the love of God and ask that You refine me. Will You bring unity to the Body of Christ today as we love You and love each other. Amen.