Praying with Paul: 'Discipline in Love'

Sunday, April 2, 2023

1 Corinthians 5:9-13

Dear Father, lover of righteousness and purity,

Give us determination to keep your command not to associate with the immoral - not at all meaning the immoral of the world, the greedy and robbers, the idolaters, for then we would have to go out of the world - but not to associate with one who bears the name of a brother if that one is guilty of immorality or greed, or is an idolater, a reviler, a drunkard or robber - not even to eat with such a person.

You have called us to judge those inside the church, not outside of it. You, our God, judge those on the outside. May we keep your command to "Drive out the wicked person from among us," but not "quench a smoldering wick" or "break a bruised reed." May we oppose only those who willfully persist in their humiliation of you, your gospel, and your church, and even then may we do it only for the salvation and good of all.

In the name of Jesus I ask for wisdom in matters of discipline and for the loving spirit of the Savior himself. Amen.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, April 2, 2023

The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"Plead for the speedy fulfilment of this promise, all ye who love the Lord. It is easy work to pray when we are grounded and bottomed, as to our..."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Sing out your thanks to the LORD; sing praises to our God with a harp. He covers the heavens with clouds, provides rain for the earth, and makes the....."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens...."
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"[Stephen continued his defense by reviewing some significant things in the lives of Israel's patriarchs:] "God also gave Abraham the covenant of..."

Illustration

Discipline in Love — 1 Corinthians 5:9-13

About This Devotional

Eldon Degge turns the apostle Paul's writings into daily, powerful prayers.

Heartlight appreciates Eldon Degge and Meridian Publishing for permission to make this available on our website. Praying with Paul is also available as a book.