Daily Reading: 9-20-16
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 The Living Bible (TLB)
I truly love this reading, today. It reminds me of the importance of knowing who we are in Christ Jesus; to operate in a spirit of humility and acceptance of the person without necessarily agreeing with every choice a person makes with his or her life. Our goal as Christ’s followers is to allow God’s love and grace to so fill us that we are influential in revealing Christ operating in our lives. The world needs Jesus not our pompous opinions or religious judgment. We must seek to find what we share in common with others and then enjoy discussing areas of life from there while still holding onto our own convictions. Maybe we will be able to tell many about Jesus just by starting with respect and kindness.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
19 And this has a real advantage: I am not bound to obey anyone just because he pays my salary; yet I have freely and happily become a servant of any and all so that I can win them to Christ. 20 When I am with the Jews I seem as one of them so that they will listen to the Gospel and I can win them to Christ. When I am with Gentiles who follow Jewish customs and ceremonies I don’t argue, even though I don’t agree, because I want to help them. 21 When with the heathen I agree with them as much as I can, except of course that I must always do what is right as a Christian. And so, by agreeing, I can win their confidence[a] and help them too.
22 When I am with those whose consciences bother them easily, I don’t act as though I know it all and don’t say they are foolish; the result is that they are willing to let me help them. Yes, whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ and let Christ save him. 23 I do this to get the Gospel to them and also for the blessing I myself receive when I see them come to Christ.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the reminder that I must integrate into making relationships by extending a humble and kind welcome to all. May you be glorified in how I treat others, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.