1 Cor. 9:16-23 (NRSV)
Read 1 Cor. 9:16-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 16If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! Verse 17For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. Verse 18What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel.
Verse 19For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. Verse 20To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. Verse 21To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law) so that I might win those outside the law. Verse 22To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. Verse 23I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.
Devotion
Paul can be difficult to comprehend, at times downright inscrutable. But here I think I “get” him. He loves the gospel! He has experienced the sheer freedom granted by the good news he has found in Jesus. This good news flies in the face of the accusing external voices (“Are you trying hard enough? Are you keeping up with the Joneses/the nearby congregation?”) and the internal voices (“You certainly have performed poorly in some areas of your life. Are you sure you have the right to call yourself a ‘Christian?’”). Paul knows he is free from being all wrapped up in himself, protecting himself from those accusations. Paul knows he is free for others, free to be alert to who they are and what they yearn for, so he can bring to them the same good news that set him free.
God has for a long time been having a great time being filled with generous love, and now Paul is having a great time, too!
Prayer
Generous God, give your people such a sense of your constant love that we may not waste our time and energy protecting ourselves, but may employ all our strength in a life that praises you, who alone are true and everlasting. Amen.