So often, fear holds us back from becoming the person God intended us to be. Jeremiah felt overwhelmed by his limitations and weaknesses, and he thought that God had made a mistake in calling him a prophet. But God would hear none of his objections! He insisted that He was the one who made Jeremiah in the first place and that He had a plan for him even as he was being formed in his mother's womb.

His power and purpose would be inside of Jeremiah. Stand up, prepare for action, and fear nothing! When we feel inadequate or weak in the face of challenges, we would do well to reflect on the one who created us and His purpose for us on earth. With God, we can face anything. We are not alone, nor are we helpless. Fear not!

Paul has been criticising his followers in Corinth for their arrogance and competition. They have been forming into factions, following those they believed to be endowed with unique spiritual gifts. The community has suffered as a result. Paul insists that there is only one natural spiritual gift, and that is love. Everything else will pass away, but love remains. He proposes it as "a better way", a spiritual path that is challenging and demanding. If we are to excel, then let it be in the practice of love.

Love is not sentimentality or feelings, but practical actions taken for the well-being of others as well as a refusal to hurt or humiliate another.