1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NRSVue
1When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the testimony of God to you with superior speech or wisdom. 2For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. 4My speech and my proclamation were made not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.
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Further reflection
If familiarity is a barrier to my appreciating these words, I might need to stop myself from clicking "Move On". It is good to take time to mull over these words, flavouring their eloquence. Love is a mystery that we can only grow into gradually with God's grace. I may not be perfect in love right now, but that is okay. It would be good to get in touch with my desire to grow in love. Can I express that desire with the One who is love?
I think of the spiritual gifts that I have been given and give thanks for them. I linger prayerfully, recalling the gifts of the Spirit - wisdom, understanding, counsel, courage, knowledge, piety and reverence.
I consider what gifts I need – or those that need strengthening – and express myself to God who will ‘strengthen me to the end.’
Saint Paul reminds me that I do not have to be preoccupied with what I do or say. I may need to be 'weak' enough for the Spirit of God to work.
My witness to Christ is not only through my words, but is seen in the way I am. As my relationship with Jesus deepens, I grow in trust and confidence.