S. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV) “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous, be strong. Do everything in love.”
O. Paul has a great opportunity for effective ministry - yet there is opposition. In that light he says to those who serve with him and to others in similar situations - to be on guard. There are times when we have to take a stand and defend the work we’ve been called to - yet we always act in love.
It is possible to “hold the fort” (defend the faith, take a stand for the vision that God has given us in His work) and yet be loving and gracious. Again and again, Paul demonstrates that in everything we do for the cause of Christ, we need to do this with the love of the Lord Jesus.
A. I have experienced situations like this in my life and various ministries. There have been great opportunities and yet various degrees of opposition - for which I need to stand firm, guard and defend the vision and call that God has given me - yet I am also reminded to defend, guard, stand firm, be strong in love.
P. Thank you Father for your word today. Thank you for calling me to your work. May I lovingly and with grace, have courage to stand firm, defend and protect the work you’ve called me to. In Jesus’ name.
