I Corinthians 9:18-23
verses 19-22: Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
When I first read this it makes me uncomfortable because of the wording. It sounds like Paul is being deceptive, pretending to be something he is not, in order to convince others to believe him. But when I read it over, and put it in the context of Paul’s teaching, I look at it differently. I think Paul is telling us we need to understand where others are coming from before we can effectively share what we know. If we approach others as if from some other world, they will not trust us. I can not communicate in a meaningful way with another person unless I understand some things about them. I need to “walk in their shoes” for a little while. This is not being deceptive, it is being understanding and loving.
Father God, you have made a world full of all kinds of people, with all kinds of precious histories and habits. Help me to understand where others have been. This understanding will help me to tell them about all you have done for me. Thank-you, Lord. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
1 Corinthians 9:18-23 Paul gives several important instructions for ministry. Find common ground with those you contact. Meet them right where they are. Accept them for who they are, rich, poor, black or white, educated or uneducated. Avoid a know it all attitude. Make others feel loved and accepted . Listen to what they have to say. Be sensitive to their needs and concerns. Listen for opportunities to answer their questions about Christ. he says that, when he preached the truth, other people were helped. He was able to preach the gospel in love, without commands. He did not need anything for it personally because he was speaking from his heart (from the inside not the outside.) because it made him feel go…
1 Corinthians 9:18 - “What 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“
We have been given a gift beyond any price, but it is not one to keep all to ourselves. As has been freely given to us, so should we freely share the love of Christ with other people, even and perhaps especially, with those who are seemingly different from us. When we are joined together in Christian kinship, It makes bitterness and hatred much harder to make themselves rulers over our lives.
Prayer - Prince of peace, I pray for a heart of peace…