---REDEEMING LOVE~~

-[Please read / 1 Corinthians 1:18-31]

~~"Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
--(1 Corinthians 1:31 / NRSV)--

~~IN 2003, I was hospitalized for depression. My image as a Pastor's wife who had it all together was shattered. I spent two weeks alongside drug addicts, schizophrenics, and alcoholics. By society's standards, we were failures and outcasts: weak, broken, and ashamed.

As we each shared our stories, I watched the others give comfort and encouragement. They offered kind words, a touch or silent acceptance of "you're not alone" and "me too." No one gave advice; no one condemned. No one judged or acted better than anyone else. After all, as hospital patients we could not pretend that we were well.

~~Romans 3:23-24 tells us that no distinctions exist among us since all "fall short of the glory of God...[but] are now justified by [God's] grace as a gift."

In today's reading, Paul reminded the Corinthian church that value does not lie in worldly wisdom, wealth, or power; rather, it is our identity in Christ. In our weaknesses, Christ unites us and gives us his wisdom, wealth, or power.

I no longer need to depend on my image as a Pastor's wife for acceptance. Instead, in my brokenness, I reveal Christ and will boast in Him.

~~"Our Beloved and Redeeming God, forgive us for wanting to look good before others. Remind us that it's only in You that we are made whole. We praise You, our Rock and Savior, in Jesus's Name ~~ amen~" .

[Friend, 'GOD IS LOVE'~ JESUS LOVES YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE. (1 John 4:8b)]

--"GOD OF ALL MY DAYS" // Casting Crowns// <https://youtu.be/RocPcgqCDE0>
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