1 Corinthians 16 14

1 Corinthians 16:14 kjv

Let all your things be done with charity.

1 Corinthians 16:14 nkjv

Let all that you do be done with love.

1 Corinthians 16:14 niv

Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14 esv

Let all that you do be done in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14 nlt

And do everything with love.

1 Corinthians 16 verses

1 Corinthians 16 14 Meaning

Everything you do should be done in love. This verse encapsulates the core principle of Christian conduct. It’s not just about actions but the motivation behind them, emphasizing that love should permeate all aspects of life. It is the supreme virtue, guiding every decision and interaction.

1 Corinthians 16 14 Context

First Corinthians 16:14 concludes Paul's practical instructions to the Corinthian church. The letter addresses issues like divisions, immorality, lawsuits, and worship. Chapter 16 covers final greetings, travel plans, and church administration, including the collection for the poor in Jerusalem. This concluding verse serves as an overarching principle for all the corrective and instructional counsel given throughout the letter. It anchors their actions and attitudes in the love of Christ, which is the essence of the gospel and the foundation of Christian community. The historical context involved a church struggling with disunity and interpersonal conflicts, making the emphasis on love critically important for their spiritual health and witness.

1 Corinthians 16 14 Word analysis

• Everything (panta - πάντα): Denotes totality, all things, all actions, every endeavor, and every aspect of life and conduct.

• you do (poieite - ποιῆτε): From the verb poieo (ποιέω), meaning to do, to make, to perform, to accomplish. It signifies carrying out actions or activities.

• in (en - ἐν): A preposition indicating in, by, with, or through. Here, it denotes the sphere or manner in which actions are performed.

• love (agape - ἀγάπῃ): The Greek word for a self-sacrificing, unconditional, benevolent love. It is the highest form of love, characterized by God's love for humanity. This is the essential element governing all conduct.

• group analysis: The phrase "everything you do in love" instructs the Corinthians to let love (agape) be the guiding principle, the essential element and the proper manner by which all their actions (everything you do) are performed and accomplished.

1 Corinthians 16 14 Bonus section

The Greek word agape used here is central to biblical theology. It signifies more than mere affection or emotion; it is a volitional love, a commitment to the well-being of others, reflecting the nature of God Himself. This verse is the perfect summation of the principles laid out in chapter 13 (the "love chapter") and provides a practical framework for the Christian life that addresses all the issues discussed in the letter to the Corinthians, particularly their tendencies toward self-promotion and division. It underscores that spiritual maturity is demonstrated not by gifts or outward appearances, but by the quality of love expressed in action.

1 Corinthians 16 14 Commentary

This verse is the ultimate directive for Christian living, providing the "how" to all the "whats" addressed in the epistle. It’s not enough to perform actions correctly; the motivation and spirit behind them are paramount. Love, in its highest biblical sense (agape), should be the pervasive force, shaping thoughts, words, and deeds. It means acting with selfless concern, benevolence, and sacrifice, mirroring Christ’s own love. This transforms even mundane tasks into acts of worship and service, binding the community together in unity and reflecting God's character to the world.

• Practical Application:
  • When having a difficult conversation, speak the truth in love.
  • When serving in ministry, do so with a heart of genuine care and compassion.
  • When facing disagreements within the church, seek understanding and reconciliation motivated by love.