Monday, February 3, 2025  

Today's Scripture
1 Corinthians 15:1–11

Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you — unless you have come to believe in vain.

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them — though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe. (NRSV)

Reflection

Paul is writing to the Corinthians who are dealing with inner conflict. Paul is urging them to go back to the basics. The foundation of our faith. Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day.

But this is not just ancient history; this truth is a living, transformative reality. The resurrection shows us that God’s power can bring life out of death, transformation out of brokenness, and redemption out of despair. This passage challenges us to consider how the gospel affects not only our relationship with God but also one another. Because our salvation does not come from our own righteousness or superiority, instead our salvation is given by God’s unearned love.

Paul is an expert on God’s redeeming grace; his life was transformed by it. Paul also reminds us that God’s grace is not only for a select few but intended for all of us. Even those we disagree with. Paul urges us that if we center ourselves on this foundation, that Christ died for everyone’s sins — that God’s redeeming grace is freely given to everyone — then everything else falls into place, because what we believe shapes the way we act, as we love one another as the children of God that we all are.

Prayer
Thank you, God, for your unconditional love. May I trust in that and allow my life to be transformed by it. Help me to see your love in everyone I meet. Amen.

Written by Katie Patterson, Ministry Team Director

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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