Devotion- Graced Forever

 

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 -  Epistle for January 31st “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up”              So wrote Paul to early Christians Reminding them that what is permissible             May not always be useful Paul’s words are still applicable to us As we presently live in a society Where a sense of pervading entitlement   drives the greedy will inside of us As Christians, the question on our heart              Should not be what we think we deserve But more what we think would be helpful             In incarnating God’s love into the world In the splash of baptismal water Our focus becomes outward, not inward Meeting the needs of another’s heart             Before satisfying our own desires Society’s voice keeps insisting              That we should be at the front of the line Getting all that we can while we can             Keeping all that we can for as long as we can We quietly beg to differ             Preferring  to follow another voice which calls us beloved and forgiven             undeserved, but yet cherished by God In hearing that voice             Our heart is deeply satisfied Focused on giving so that others’ hearts             May be open to God’s scandalous love A gift of identity which              No one and no thing can change Once that identity is claimed             It marks one graced forever+ A Devotion By Rev. Donald Shaefer, Northern Region Mission Engagement Facilitator