Here’s a devotional on 1 Corinthians from our Bible in a Year reading plan. Click here to join us in reading the Bible in a Year.
DEVOTIONAL - Love That Changes Everything
Imagine Corinth as a bit like modern-day Vegas, New York, or Los Angeles. Corinth was a city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth, diverse population, and moral corruption. It was a major hub for trade, attracting people from various cultures and backgrounds.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul speaks to a church that—much like many of us today—was struggling with division, temptation, and confusion. The church in Corinth was blessed with many spiritual gifts, but these gifts were often misused, leading to pride and disunity. Paul’s words serve as a reminder that our walk with Christ should be marked by love, humility, and a pursuit of holiness. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul defines love as the most important gift and characteristic of a follower of Christ, teaching us that no matter our talents or achievements, without love, they are meaningless.
Paul’s teaching on spiritual gifts also shows that each of us has a role to play in the church, and we should use our gifts to build up the body of Christ. He calls us to reflect on how we live our lives—are we showing the kind of love that Christ showed us? Are we pursuing unity with others in the church and using our gifts to serve, rather than elevate ourselves?
RESPONSE
Let 1 Corinthians challenge you to examine your heart and actions. In the midst of a world that encourages selfishness, Paul’s words direct us to a life of selfless love, unity, and service—reminding us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Today, think about how you can love others better, how you can use your gifts to build up the people around you, and how you can walk in purity in a world full of temptation, honouring God with your life.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom and guidance found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Help us to live in unity, putting aside the things that divide us and focusing on the love that unites us in Christ. Strengthen us to walk in purity, honouring You with our bodies and our actions. May we use the gifts You have given us to serve others and build up Your Church. Above all, teach us to love as You love, reflecting Your grace to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.