“Love builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1).” In Paul’s view, edifying love is the one thing we owe one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law (Romans 13:8).”
And two chapters later:
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me (Romans 15:1-3).’”
We serve a Lord who “did not please himself,” but laid down his life, suffering reproach to redeem us and build us up. He did more than just bear with the failings of the weak. He made propitiation for the failings of the weak and now graciously bears with our many failings as we are slowly being transformed “from one degree to another” into his image. How could we not extend the same forbearance and love to one another?
Erik Thoennes will be preaching 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 this week and Kenny Clark will be leading our time of sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare? And pray for all who will hear, that we would continue to grow in our edifying love for one another.
See you Sunday, Grace. Let’s come hungry!
Song Link of the Week
Love Never Fails by Songs of Grace