Day Eighty-One -- I love you, but I don't like what you're doing
Romans 15:1 to 1 Corinthians 14:40
Have you ever had one of those moments - it might have been with a teacher, an employer, or your loved one - that started out with them intentionally saying how much they appreciated your efforts or your company, and just when you're feeling good and you let down your guard WHAM they let you have it. "How could you do such a thing! This isn't what I expected out of you! Shape up or ship out!" Okay, maybe not to that extreme, but the receivers of Paul's 1st Letter to the Corinthians might have experienced a bit of whiplash at how quickly Paul jumps in to deal with the wide range of problems and concerns he has with the behaviors within their faith community.
This actually is not the first time Paul has corresponded with the Corinthians (see 1 Cor 5:9-11), and it was either by letter or other means that he has been informed of divisions, immoral relationships, boastful behaviors, insensitive worship and a host of other issues. He knew them well having lived and preached in Corinth for eighteen months, and he can hardly believe what has happened to them since he left. His affection for them is evident, however, as he urges them to "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts" (14:1). After all, how can Paul remain upset with them? He did, after all, proclaim that love "keeps no record of wrongs" (13:5).
Have you ever had one of those moments - it might have been with a teacher, an employer, or your loved one - that started out with them intentionally saying how much they appreciated your efforts or your company, and just when you're feeling good and you let down your guard WHAM they let you have it. "How could you do such a thing! This isn't what I expected out of you! Shape up or ship out!" Okay, maybe not to that extreme, but the receivers of Paul's 1st Letter to the Corinthians might have experienced a bit of whiplash at how quickly Paul jumps in to deal with the wide range of problems and concerns he has with the behaviors within their faith community.
This actually is not the first time Paul has corresponded with the Corinthians (see 1 Cor 5:9-11), and it was either by letter or other means that he has been informed of divisions, immoral relationships, boastful behaviors, insensitive worship and a host of other issues. He knew them well having lived and preached in Corinth for eighteen months, and he can hardly believe what has happened to them since he left. His affection for them is evident, however, as he urges them to "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts" (14:1). After all, how can Paul remain upset with them? He did, after all, proclaim that love "keeps no record of wrongs" (13:5).
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