Friday 6 September, 2013

13 Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be brave. Be strong. 14 Be loving in everything you do. 15 You know that the first believers in Achaia were from the family of Stephanas. They have spent all their time serving God’s people. Brothers and sisters, I am asking you 16 to follow the lead of people like them. Follow everyone who joins in the task and works hard at it. 17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived. They have supplied me with what you couldn’t give me. 18 They renewed my spirit, and yours also. People like that are worthy of honor. 19 The churches in Asia Minor send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly because of the Lord’s love. So does the church that meets in their house. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, let a curse be on that person! Come, Lord! 23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 I give my love to all of you who belong to Christ Jesus. Amen.

At the end of Paul’s letter to Corinthians church, he gave his final encouragement/reminder and greetings while they were waiting for his next visit.

Paul asked them:

1. Be on guard

2. stand firm in the faith

3. be courageous

4. be strong

5. do everything with good intention & love.

 

Today, while I are waiting for the return of Christ, I should follow the same instructions. Especially the love, because Jesus said: Love your neighbor as yourself which is the second commandment and no other is greater than this. Paul also comments: the greatest of these (hope, faith and love) is love.

In the end, Paul asked the Corinthians to submit themselves to the household of Stephanas, not because of they were first converts in Achaia, but because they devote themselves to serve the Saints.

Dear Lord, thank you for your words. They always encourage me and guild me to the truth. Help me to do everything in Love and follow the true leader as I walk on to eternity. Amen.

Written by Allen Leu