Listen

From Paul, called by God’s will to be an apostle of Jesus Christ, and from Sosthenes our brother.

To God’s church that is in Corinth:

To those who have been made holy to God in Christ Jesus, who are called to be God’s people.

Together with all those who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place—he’s their Lord and ours!

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Think

Corinth – where Paul sent this letter – was a bustling city located on an isthmus between two gulfs of the Aegean Sea. Ships from many different countries docked at Corinth’s two big harbors. Merchants from those far-off lands visited the city’s busy streets to trade and sell their wares.

So it’s no surprise to discover that the Christian community at Corinth, to whom this letter is addressed, was a diverse group of people. Among the group were Jews, Greeks, and Romans. There were people who owned successful businesses, a city treasurer, and plenty of ordinary people. Women and men worshiped together, which was very unusual for the time.

Perhaps this is why Paul begins his letter by reminding this group that all those who trust in the name of Jesus belong to God. It doesn’t matter where you come from or how you make your living: trust in Jesus makes you part of God’s loving family.

Jane Claspy Nesmith

Pray

Loving God, it’s sometimes hard to get along with people who don’t share my culture.

Remind me that you sent your Son so that, trusting in him, we might begin to see that we all belong to you.

Amen.

Go

Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I’ll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

John Bell in “The Summons” (1987)