Grounded in Faith, Courage, and Love // 1 Corinthians 16:13

Today’s verse comes contextually toward the very end of Paul’s letter we know as 1st Corinthians. Paul urges the Christian at the church in such a debaucherous culture to “be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” Those words have a timeless encouragement, don’t they? We are living in a crooked and corrupt culture ourselves and there could be the temptation to say, “if you can’t beat them, join them.” I think of this kinda like an infielder on a baseball diamond. The fielder moves their weight to their toes, bends their knees, and focuses on the batter as the ball is pitched. There is no use in being afraid if the ball is hit to the player, because the fielder needs to be ready to respond and not just react. Bravely charge the ball, snag it, and make the out. But before we focus too much on the out, we must look at the very next verse: “do everything in love” (v14). Love conquers when we are ready to stand firm, courageously, and strong in the Lord! Ultimately, the mission is for us to be ready to advance in love while evil advances in a counterattack. Have no fear, though, because the Lord wins. THAT, my friends, is why you can be on guard, grounded in faith, and ready to respond with love to whatever comes your way!