05-28-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 28, 2020
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:21
Which do you want? Should I come to you with a big stick to punish you, or with love and a gentle spirit?

Thought for the Day: Though I imagine Paul was a pretty serious guy, I think he desperately wanted to be known for having a sense of humor. I don’t wish to be rude, but if that was his wish with these words, he didn’t quite achieve his goal. There is definitely some concern about some arrogant folks in the Corinth community, and though Paul hopes to visit Corinth again and set things right, it appears to me that he offered this sharp and over the top exaggeration in hopes of getting a chuckle. The Gospel Paul believed and proclaimed required that he come with only love and gentleness, and so his words sound strange, even awkward. Have you ever been around someone who is trying to be funny, but keeps putting his foot in his mouth? Humor is an incredible gift, and even a little biting sarcasm might have its place, but followers of Jesus need to make sure their humor (or attempt at humor) does not undermine the most central convictions of the faith.

Prayer: Bless my life with humor and laughter, O God whose love abounds. But let the humor I share continue to communicate what is most important in my life. Amen.

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