To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy…I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way – in all your speaking and in all your  knowledge…Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you…is faithful. (1 Corinthians 1:2, 4-5, 7-9, NIV)

These glowing words to the church in Corinth don’t seem surprising until I read the rest of the book and learn how carnal and spiritually immature they were. “Sanctified…you have been enriched in every way – in all your speaking and in all your knowledge…you do not lack any spiritual gift…He will keep you strong to the end…blameless.” Lord, I’m not sure I would have spoken to them in these terms.

I am amazed that You look at us this way, Father. We are so selfish and immature at times – and yes, so pagan. Yet You have put Your life within us. We are rich in You, fully equipped in every way, on the road to being blameless. You patiently nurture and teach and correct us. You are not short-tempered with us. In fact, You seem to enjoy our growth process.

Father, thank You for Your tenderness. Keep me tender and patient toward those to whom I minister, those who share my failures and shortcomings. Give me Your view of them, Your heart for them, Your joy in their gradual growth.

Praise to You, wonderful Father!

Listen and sing:
Hymn: Growing in God
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