What does 1 Corinthians 6:22 mean?

At first glance, this verse from the Apostle Paul might seem to be a harsh condemnation, but a deeper reflection reveals the profound centrality of love in the Christian faith.

1. The Imperative of Loving the Lord: Paul’s declaration underscores the primacy of loving God. The whole of Christianity pivots on this foundation 0f love – loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Love is the very essence of the Christian life, and it’s a love that is responsive. God loved us first, initiating this relationship by sending His Son to reconcile humanity to Himself (1 John 4:19).

2. Not Just Emotion but Commitment: Loving the Lord isn’t a fleeting emotion, but a committed stance towards God. Paul is emphasizing the severity of choosing to reject or be indifferent to this love. It’s not about God’s need for our love, but our deep, inherent need for His. The curse is not so much a punishment from an offended deity, but the natural consequence of choosing to live apart from the Source of life and love.

3. A Cry for Jesus’ Return: The phrase “Come, Lord!” is the Aramaic “Maranatha.” It’s a cry for Jesus’ return, a reminder that history is moving towards a culmination in Christ. Paul’s words echo the yearning for Jesus to come and set all things right, to restore, heal, and bring into fullness the Kingdom of God. In the early church, “Maranatha” became a common greeting, symbolizing the shared hope and expectancy of Christ’s imminent return.

4. Invitation Over Condemnation: While the admonishment might sound severe, it can also be viewed as an invitation. Paul’s heart throughout his letters is to draw people into a loving relationship with Jesus. Instead of reading this as a simple threat, it can be a clarion call to recognize what’s truly at stake – a life-giving, transformative relationship with the Lord.

So our bible verse when deeply reflected upon this day, is less about fear and more about the undeniable importance of love in the Christian journey. It’s a call t0 recognize the gravity of our choices, the beauty of God’s love, and the hope that we have in Jesus’ return. As believers, may we constantly be reminded 0f our first love, drawing others into this love, and eagerly anticipating the day when our Lord will come again.