I Corinthians 1:3-9 (NRSV)
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Verse 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 4I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, Verse 5for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind- Verse 6just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you- Verse 7so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 8He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 9God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Devotion
In Christ Jesus, Paul writes, we have been enriched in every way, and moreover, we are not lacking in any spiritual gift. We are and have all that we need. Really?!? Enriched in every way? Not lacking in any spiritual gift? How is that possible, when we know ourselves to be so often broken and overwhelmed by our lives—especially in these last weeks leading up to Christmas? It is possible, Paul reminds us, because of God's grace and faithfulness, a grace that enriches any poverty we experience and a faithfulness that fills up any deficiency with which we struggle. Only God can address our needs and strengthen our weaknesses—by becoming Emmanuel—God with us. O come, let us adore!
Prayer
Faithful God, we are amazed and grateful that you promise to be with us to enrich us in every way and to fill up our spiritual deficiencies. Teach us to trust in your promises and to lead lives of witness and service for Jesus' sake. Amen.