1 Corinthians 16

Bible Passage:  1 Corinthians 16

“Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Cor 16:14)

To wrap up his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul wrote once again about love. He encouraged them to practice sincere love because love can solve many problems.

Love teaches us to care for others and to freely share with them (cf. v1-3). If we have love, we will appreciate other people’s strengths, instead of looking down on them (cf. v10-11); we will also appreciate the divine workers’ labor and naturally respect them (cf. v15-18).

Love is also the solution to divisions, disputes, sinful behavior and pride, because it does not seek its own and is not puffed up. If we truly have this love – the love of God – in us, we won’t be in just for ourselves, but we will always consider what is pleasing to God and good for others.

In fact, selfishness is the underlying reason for most interpersonal conflicts and, also, for sin. When we are self-centered, we will think that we are right and our desires will rule over us. But once the love of God comes into our hearts, our focus will turn towards others and God. We will see Jesus’ kindness and forgiveness towards us; we will see the needs of others – and then, we will find it much easier to forbear and forgive as well as to control our desires for the sake of pleasing God.

But Paul did not only talk about love. He also left an example of love in this final part of his letter:

“The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The salutation with my own hand – Paul’s.” (1 Cor 16:19-21)

“My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.” (1 Cor 16:24)

Despite the divisions and problems in Corinth, which other churches probably knew about too, the churches in Asia, Aquila and Priscilla as well Paul still sent their love and warmth to the Corinthians. In addition Paul encouraged the members in Corinth to greet each other with a holy kiss. All this shows us how important it is to bear each other’s weaknesses and forgive one another at all times within the community of faith.

Therefore, “let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
(1 John 3:18)