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08-02-2010, 03:20 PM

It is unfortunate that brothers and sisters insist one way or the other and as a result sets the path for more division. Previous posts have pointed out that love is ultimately the way. Paul's inclusion of chapter 13 was to give believers the most excellent way to take when matters of differences arise. He also relates this love to the maturity in life of a believer in verse 11, which states,

"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I reasoned as a child; when I became a man, I had done with what belonged to the child." (1 Corinth. 13: 11, Darby translation)

I have often pondered over this verse and have related it practically with the normal function in a family. For example, sometimes a child may say or do something inappropriate among adults within a family, but the adults because of their maturity will not react too strongly to the child's actions. In love, they will admonish and correct and not to embarrass the little one.

In chapter 12 of first Corinthians, Paul explains the wonderful diversity amongst all the members, having different gifts, ministries (services, if you wish), and operations. He further goes on to deal with the problem, which was taking place in Corinth - the matter of tongue speaking. More specifically, the problem was NOT tongue speaking. The problem was its over-emphasis to the detriment of the exercise of other's gifts, ministries, and operations. As a continued illustration with the family, we all know that in a family with a good number of children, there are often times when one child likes to show off or be the center of attention at the expense of the other children. A wise parent who recognizes this would then take steps to bring some balance back to the family dynamics so as to return the family to a healthy atmosphere where all the children and adults can thrive together. This requires a healthy, loving atmosphere, where, although mistakes are made, love eventually covers them. Was it not another apostle who said, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, NIV)?

In chapter 14 of first Corinthians you see clearly Paul's balanced and loving words to the believers, "Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." (1 Corinth. 14: 39-40, NIV) Prior to this he also stated that "each on has". This was spoken so as to adjust the one or few who equated the eye to the whole body (1 Corinth. 12:17, NIV).

In conclusion, let us all heed the Scriptures and do what is profitable for building all our brothers and sisters and not be quick to pass judgment on he/she, for are we greater than God? Is He not the One who saved them and truly know their true value to Him? So, let us each walk soberly and with a spirit of love for the sake of His testimony.

Grace and peace to you all,
A simple believer.

08-02-2010, 03:20 PM	#54
Unregistered Guest Posts: n/a	Re: The Cost It is unfortunate that brothers and sisters insist one way or the other and as a result sets the path for more division. Previous posts have pointed out that love is ultimately the way. Paul's inclusion of chapter 13 was to give believers the most excellent way to take when matters of differences arise. He also relates this love to the maturity in life of a believer in verse 11, which states, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I reasoned as a child; when I became a man, I had done with what belonged to the child." (1 Corinth. 13: 11, Darby translation) I have often pondered over this verse and have related it practically with the normal function in a family. For example, sometimes a child may say or do something inappropriate among adults within a family, but the adults because of their maturity will not react too strongly to the child's actions. In love, they will admonish and correct and not to embarrass the little one. In chapter 12 of first Corinthians, Paul explains the wonderful diversity amongst all the members, having different gifts, ministries (services, if you wish), and operations. He further goes on to deal with the problem, which was taking place in Corinth - the matter of tongue speaking. More specifically, the problem was NOT tongue speaking. The problem was its over-emphasis to the detriment of the exercise of other's gifts, ministries, and operations. As a continued illustration with the family, we all know that in a family with a good number of children, there are often times when one child likes to show off or be the center of attention at the expense of the other children. A wise parent who recognizes this would then take steps to bring some balance back to the family dynamics so as to return the family to a healthy atmosphere where all the children and adults can thrive together. This requires a healthy, loving atmosphere, where, although mistakes are made, love eventually covers them. Was it not another apostle who said, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, NIV)? In chapter 14 of first Corinthians you see clearly Paul's balanced and loving words to the believers, "Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." (1 Corinth. 14: 39-40, NIV) Prior to this he also stated that "each on has". This was spoken so as to adjust the one or few who equated the eye to the whole body (1 Corinth. 12:17, NIV). In conclusion, let us all heed the Scriptures and do what is profitable for building all our brothers and sisters and not be quick to pass judgment on he/she, for are we greater than God? Is He not the One who saved them and truly know their true value to Him? So, let us each walk soberly and with a spirit of love for the sake of His testimony. Grace and peace to you all, A simple believer.