Love, live, serve. Groovy.

The comment was made by a friend as we were talking about chapter 15 last week that it seems the letter should have ended there. What an incredible way to close, with “Do not be moved! Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

But Paul has different ideas. It is not enough for him to write in general terms, he is always tying his theology to practice. The practice we study this week seems to be about giving money, which it is, but only in part. The bigger issue is connecting to the life of the wider Body of Christ, showing hospitality and the reminder to do everything in love. Live, love serve. 

Seems I have heard that some where before. 

Paul is always working for the unity of the Body, both within the local congregation and between the Jewish and Gentile believers. What is it about selflessly giving to each other that connects us? That is one of the main things we will examine this week. 

This week is also our last in 1 Corinthians. As you know, we are going to take a 10 week break from our chronological study of Paul and spent some time in a “summer of love”. Groovy.