Passages: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (TNIV)
19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 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. 21 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. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I may share in its blessings.
Reflection: A life that has been formed by the message of the cross, the power of God for those who are being saved, is a life that is truly free and without regret. Although Paul once hunted Christians in the name of faith, he received the love and forgiveness of Christ. This left him changed forever. He did not live stuck in the past, ashamed of what he had done. Instead, he was free to love others, becoming all things to all people, because he knew that it was by God’s power, and not his own, that others will come to be saved.
Response: Let’s respond by asking God to give us hearts that fully trust in the message of the cross, the power of God in our lives, so that we can fully embrace this calling to become all things to all people. Let’s ask for hearts that are not timid or afraid, but are completely confident of Christ’s work in us.
