“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love” (vv. 13-14). Who can question such obviously good advice? But how do we put it into practice in our real lives, filled as they often are with problems, grief, and conflict?

Well, Paul gives us several examples in this chapter, as he closes his letter to a congregation that he had helped organize, and one that he had ministered to for a year and a half (Acts 18:1-11). For example, when taking up a collection for poor Christians in Jerusalem, Paul did not insist that he himself carry the gift, but instead let the Corinthians select one of their own to take it (v. 3). Instead of imagining that he was the only person who could possibly lead the congregation he had gathered, he exhorted them to welcome and to encourage Timothy (vv. 10-11).

And Paul even offered support to Apollos, calling him a brother and encouraging him to visit the Corinthians (v. 12) – this in spite of the fact that some of Paul’s readers insisted that they were followers of Apollos instead of Paul (1:12). Over and over again, Paul continues to express his strength and his love by humbling himself before his readers, instead of demanding their respect or feeling hurt by those who had turned away from him.

And so we see that being strong always involves considering the needs of others as more important than our own feelings. Standing firm in our faith means not just trusting Christ to be our Savior, but demonstrating His unconditional, self-sacrificial love, even to those who may have hurt us the most deeply. For how else could we possibly say we are truly following Jesus?

I Corinthians 16:1-24 (ESV)

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.
2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia,
6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go.
7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,
9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am.
11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
14 Let all that you do be done in love.
15 Now I urge you, brothers– you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints–
16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.
17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence,
18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.
20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.