1 Corinthians, Day 4 Readings

Spiritual Gifts & Christian Love   

Today's first reading offers Paul's vision for the nature of a Christian community.  Everyone is a valuable member because everyone has been given talents and skills by God for the good of the community.  None of these gifts or talents is more important than others and all of them are necessary.  However, it seems that some in Corinth had said that certain things were more important than others.  (Anyone want to bet these more valuable skills were the exact same gifts exhibited by the rich Christians in Corinth?)

Everyone is an important part of the church.  If one person is successful, then it is a success for the entire group. If one person fails, then it is a failure for the entire church.  Everyone should be appreciated and honored for the good they bring to the church.

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-26  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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The second reading builds on this concept by suggesting that the most important spiritual gifts are not praying in tongues or preaching.  Instead, the most important gifts -- which should be nurtured in every member of the church -- are faith, hope, and love.  And the greatest is love.

Read 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Corinthians 11-13 today.