Verse of the Day for June 25

The verse before the call to be strong is about a plan that fell through. Paul wanted Apollos to visit Corinth. his will was not at all to come at this time. Paul does not argue. He reports it and trusts that Apollos will come when he shall have convenient time.

That is an open hand. Paul was an apostle with real authority, yet he let a fellow worker say no without bitterness.

Then come four short commands, almost like orders to a soldier. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. To quit yourselves like men means to act with maturity, not like children. It is firm language.

But Paul will not let strength stand alone. The very next line is Let all your things be done with charity. All of it. Courage without love becomes stubbornness. Standing firm without kindness becomes a fist. Paul wants spines that are straight and hands that are open.

Where do you need to be strong today without clenching? Perhaps in a family meeting about money, or with a colleague who has refused to help you. stand fast in what is right. Hold everything else loosely, and let love shape the way you do it.

Paul let Apollos say no and still called the church to stand firm.

Strength that is not done in love is not the courage this letter asks for.