Tuesday 20 May 2025

Psalm 134

Background
The worshipping community at Corinth was new and, almost inevitably, brought their existing practices and attitudes into the Jesus Way of being. Some people in the congregation with certain gifts considered themselves superior and more spiritual than others. In addition, some were inclined to think of their spiritual gifts as an area of personal experience.

In this passage we see Paul trying to disabuse them of these misguided ideas. He stresses to the Corinthians that all gifts come from the same source, namely from God through the Holy Spirit. He taught there is no hierarchy of gifts and that gifts and graces are not a private possession. Rather they are to be used for the common good and to build the community.

Paul also emphasises that the first action of the Holy Spirit is to evoke a commitment to Jesus and this is a common confession for all who follow Jesus. Diversity of gifts grows out of this common confession. As will be developed later in this letter, Paul stresses that people need one another and the variety of their diverse gifts will build the whole body.

To Ponder:

• In your congregation do ideas linger that some ‘gifts’ (eg preaching and teaching) are superior to others (eg administration)?
• We live at a time when congregations are more diverse than in the past – including people from other denominational and faith traditions, people from many countries and backgrounds and people with a variety of disabilities. What can be done and what is being done to facilitate everyone, and to acknowledge and use their gifts to build up the whole community?

Prayer
Loving God, give us ears to hear your call on us and hearts to accept the assurance that those whom you call, you also equip. Take from us any notion that some of the gifts of the Holy Spirit are superior to others and grant us the grace to use the gifts of everyone for the common good. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Jennifer Potter
Jennifer is a supernumerary minister living in the Croydon Circuit. She works as a part-time chaplain at the local MHA (Methodist Home for the Aged). She was previously a minister at Wesley’s Chapel in London.