A number of folks have asked for a copy of the paraphrase of Paul’s litany of love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) I shared during last Sunday’s sermon.
In the famous passage, Paul lays out a far better way — a far more excellent way to live than the unhealthy ways the Corinthian Christians were treating each other. He encourages folks in Corinth to embrace God’s sacrificial, servanthood love as a far better way of being the church in their context.
I believe Paul’s words can encourage and empower all churches, including Park Avenue Church, to do the same in our context. Imagine with me what it might sound like if this passage was written directly to us.
Here’s the paraphrase.
Park Avenue Church never gives up.
Her people are kind, caring more for others than for themselves. They are not envious, wanting what they don’t have, and they don’t strut around with outsized egos or heads swelled with sanctimonious spirituality. They are warm and welcoming to others, not rude.
Park Avenue Church is inspired and motivated by God’s love, which means she does not act in shameful ways, nor does she keep score of the sins or mistakes or missteps of her people. Instead, she looks for ways to demonstrate the fullness of God’s love to everyone through her commitment to servanthood.
She’s a church not happy with lies and injustice, but truth makes her heart glad. Her people keep walking even when carrying a heavy load. Park Avenue Church keeps trusting God always, never loses hope, and stands firm in hard times.
Why? Because Park Avenue Church is full of people committed to walk the road of agape, the sacrificial and servanthood love of God, which has no end.
Hope to see you this Sunday. If you’ve been watching online, why not join us? I’d love for you to experience the beauty and goodness of Park in person, and I’d love to greet you face to face.
And just a heads up, it will be the week after Thanksgiving before I post again. Scroll down below to see what’s happening at Park during the Christmas season.
Breathe love, my friends! And Happy Thanksgiving.
Pastor Gregg
