"If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accurs-
ed. . . . My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen."
Here, within the span of just three verses, the Apostle Paul shows the polar extremes of ministry: on one side, he harshly condemns those who would reject his Corinthian epistle (since they do not "love the Lord Jesus"); and on the other end of the spectrum, he gently blesses "all in Christ Jesus," with his (Paul's) love.
Such is the nature of life in covenant (on earth). Church membership and ministry covers everything from the highest heights, to the lowest lows. Let us keep this perspective and tension in mind and heart, as we seek to grow in grace, and encourage each other in our holy faith.
[Puritan quote of the day: "As God's heart is tender towards us, so God's people have tender hearts towards Him, His cause, and His church." --Richard Sibbes, in "The Soul's Conflict with Itself"]
