CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DAILY DEVOTIONAL ON YOUTUBE
1 Corinthians 14:20
The Apostle Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 14:20 (NKJV), “20Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.” But what exactly is he saying? To be children in understanding is to by young with it, or to have a small amount of it as if there is a lot yet to learn. Paul desires for the congregation of the church at Corinth to have understanding in all they say and do. But “in malice be babes,” is in reference to having no amount of it (malice) at all, as if not merely having a childish understanding, but a babes understanding, which would be none at all. Paul then reiterates his comment about understanding and, “not be children” of it as he states (1 Corinthians 14:20c), “but in understanding be mature.”
This is a command to seek understanding.
This is a command to flee from malice.
Malice is the desire to cause injury or distress to another, as is defined by Merriam-Webster. Paul has been teaching the congregation of the church at Corinth to not have divisions or contentions among them (1 Corinthians 1:10-11) as he addressed this letter to them. He is leading them in the ways of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as Jesus gave the command in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” As Christians and members of the congregation of Jesus Christ, we should desire to follow in His footsteps – the footsteps of love, and in love, to have an understanding of it and of why we should love one another; Jesus teaches us in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Profess Jesus today, if you have never done so, and experience His love in your life so you too can share that love with others – in Christ!
Dear LORD,
Please give us understanding of Your great love for us so that we can experience in our lives through salvation in Christ Jesus and share it with others. In Jesus name I pray, amen.