1 Corinthians 1:10
10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
People are hard to live with but impossible to live without. An old German philosopher talked about our relationships like the relationships of porcupines in winter. It’s too cold to go off by yourself but trying to snuggle with another porcupine causes pain in both you and your buddy. What do we do to overcome the pain and enjoy the warmth and meaning of relationships?
Paul makes it clear in these first hopeful commands to the extremely prickly Corinthian church. We are united by the name of Jesus Christ under His Lordship, united in His way of thinking and coming to His conclusions. He made it clear that love of us was worth being pierced, even by a spear and nails. Looking at that great love, we too decide to endure pain for the moment to enjoy love forever.
Prayer prompt: Lord, please send me in closer and closer with your people even if it hurts me and occasionally I hurt them. May Your name be honored as we unite around You!