1 Corinthians 16:14

Let all your things be done with charity.

Let {G1096} all {G3956} your {G5216} things {G3956} be done {G1096} with {G1722} charity {G26}.

Let everything you do be done in love.

Do everything in love.

Let all that ye do be done in love.

Commentary

Context

The verse 1 Corinthians 16:14 serves as a powerful summary and final exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church. Coming at the close of a letter addressing numerous complex issues—including divisions, immorality, lawsuits, spiritual gifts, and the resurrection—Paul distills his extensive advice into a single, overarching principle. This instruction follows immediate calls to be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, and be strong (1 Corinthians 16:13). It underscores that all Christian conduct, whether in personal life, church fellowship, or ministry, must be permeated by love.

Key Themes

  • Love as the Guiding Principle: This verse elevates love (charity) to the supreme motive and method for all actions. It teaches that mere activity, strength, or knowledge is insufficient if not rooted in genuine, selfless affection.
  • Unity and Harmony: In a church plagued by factions and disputes, Paul's command for actions to be done with charity directly addresses the need for unity. Love naturally fosters understanding, forgiveness, and cooperation, mitigating conflicts and promoting communal well-being.
  • Selfless Service: When "all your things" are done with charity, it implies a focus on the well-being of others rather than self-interest. This principle encourages believers to act with compassion, generosity, and humility in every interaction.

Linguistic Insights

The key word in this verse is "charity," which in the King James Version translates the Greek word agape (ἀγάπη). This is not merely sentimental affection or romantic love, but a profound, unconditional, and benevolent love that seeks the highest good of the other. It is the same divine love that God demonstrates towards humanity (John 3:16). Paul extensively elaborates on the characteristics and supremacy of this agape love in 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "love chapter," where he states that without charity, even the most impressive spiritual gifts or acts are meaningless.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 16:14 serves as a timeless call to examine the motivation behind every action. Whether in family relationships, professional dealings, church ministries, or daily interactions, this verse challenges us to ensure that love is the driving force. It prompts us to ask:

  • Are my words spoken with love, even when correcting or disagreeing?
  • Are my decisions made with genuine care for others' well-being?
  • Is my service to God and others motivated by a selfless desire to bless, rather than by obligation or personal gain?

Living out this command cultivates a life that truly reflects the character of Christ and builds up the body of believers.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 13:34

    A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

  • John 13:35

    By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

  • 1 Peter 4:8

    And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

  • 1 Timothy 1:5

    ¶ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:

  • 1 John 4:7

    ¶ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

  • 1 John 4:8

    He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:9

    ¶ But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.