In 1 Corinthians 16:21-24, Paul writes the greeting with his own hand; if anyone does not love the Lord, let him be accursed—Maranatha. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you; Paul’s love be with them all in Christ Jesus Paul writes to saints in Corinth—and to us—so that the church would be united in Christ, holy in body and spirit, and built up in love. Listen to the text: “This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord! The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
Love in this letter is not mere warmth; it is the more excellent way that builds up, refuses to puff itself, and remains when partial gifts pass away. Knowledge without love inflates; love constructs the body.
Instructions for the collection, travel plans, commendations of Timothy and others, a charge to watch, stand firm, be strong, and do all in love, greetings, and a final grace and Maranatha. This passage belongs in that movement: 1 Corinthians 16:21-24 is not an isolated saying but a step in Paul’s Spirit-given pastoral argument. In this letter, the cross shames worldly status, the Spirit forms one body, and love outranks every impressive gift.
A pastoral word for today: Choose one concrete act of patient, kind love today—especially where gifts or knowledge have made you sharp.
Hold together gift and call. In this letter, what God gives in Christ—wisdom, Spirit, hope of resurrection—creates what God asks: unity, holiness, and love. Grace is not soft permission; it is power that claims you for God’s glory.
As you sit with 1 Corinthians 16:21-24, ask what it shows you about Christ crucified, the Spirit’s work in the church, and love that builds up. 1 Corinthians is not a museum of ancient disputes; it is pastoral Scripture for gifted, fragile people. Let the text search you, comfort you, and send you toward holy unity.