Come and grab a hug from Paul! (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)

As Paul writes his first letter to the church in Corinth, you'd expect him to give them a bit of an uppercut. But, uniquely, he chooses first to give them a warm, brotherly hug, reminding them of their status in Christ and the grace that God has given them to live lives that are set apart for Him and His glory. 

1 Paul, called as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Sosthenes our brother:

2 To the church of God at Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called as saints, with all those in every place who call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord ​— ​both their Lord and ours.

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given to you in Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in him in every way, in all speech and all knowledge. 6 In this way, the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you, 7 so that you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you will be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful; you were called by him into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.