The behaviour of some Church people today is questionable just as it was in the days of Paul. The Corinthian church was fractured by divisions, the toleration of serious moral failures and struggling with theological confusion.
“If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.” (1 Corinthians 16 v 22-24)
Yes a stern word. If you really loved Jesus you wouldn’t be like this, is the meaning behind it. The stark contrast of anathema (cursed) meaning separated from God and Maranatha (Come Lord) stands poles apart. Paul knows that genuine love for Jesus is seen in obedience. Yet this urgent plea for the return of Christ was in the minds of all the believers as they longed for Christ to come and make everything right again.
More grace is needed says Paul and he ends with his love for them all.
What he leaves us with after what has been a strong but loving letter is the fact that an unwavering conviction, boundless grace, firm correction and genuine love is to be found in the Christian community who love Jesus. If you really loved Jesus. We do. Held in that complexity is the threat of being separated from God’s presence, the longing for the return of Christ, unmerited favour and above all, agape love.
Missions Paul 