I Give Thanks to My God for You

In 1 Corinthians 1:4, the Apostle Paul writes: "I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus..." (ESV) What makes  Paul's warmhearted greeting so remarkable is that this church had lots of problems. Despite having earnest and gifted believers, there was division, immorality, uppityness, social prejudices, and chaotic discord in their gatherings--including drunkenness during communion! (That's why we use small cups and grape juice!) But with all their issues, Paul's heart in these words represent the kind of love God has overall towards His Church. Paul was not glossing over their transgressions. In the following chapters every sin and moral failure is addressed. But Paul recognized this flawed family as redeemable and that God was far from through with her. Thankfully, God is not through with our churches either! Despite all the spiritual orange barrels around us, our Lord will finish the work He's begun. Philippians 1:6 should encourage us all: "I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]." (AMP) Just wait and see how everything will look when God's all done!