“Strength in Love”
Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:13–14
In a few short verses, Paul delivers a power-packed exhortation: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.”
This is Gospel-shaped grit.
It’s a call to spiritual vigilance—being alert to the schemes of the enemy, mindful of the needs of others, and standing guard over your own heart. It’s a call to stand firm—not swayed by culture, comfort, or compromise. And then, “act like men”—not in machismo, but in maturity. Paul’s vision is of a church possessive of spiritual strength cloaked in love.
In our world, strength is often loud, brash, or self-serving. But Paul redefines it: true strength is watchful, rooted in truth, and most of all, wrapped in love.
This is what Gospel courage looks like in action. It’s men and women who stand strong in trials, who pray persistently, who resist temptation, who don’t waver in hard conversations or difficult seasons. But their courage is never cold—it’s always carried with love.
Churches need this kind of strength today—not just in pastors, but in parents, teachers, workers, and teens. People who stand firm when it’s easier to walk away. Who speak truth even when it’s unpopular. And who do it all out of love for Christ and others.
Reflection:
Where do you need to stand firm today? Where do you need God’s strength to speak the truth in love?
Prayer:
Lord, help me be watchful and strong. Root me deeply in Your Word and Your love. Let all that I do reflect the courage of the Gospel and the compassion of Christ. Make me resilient in faith and rich in love. Amen.