A Devotional on 1 Corinthians 15

Yesterday was my daughter Katherine’s birthday. In honor of her, we went out to eat and enjoyed her favorite ice cream flavor. Earlier in the day, I stopped by her grave. I know her real self—her soul—is with the Lord, but I still needed that quiet moment at the place where we laid her body to rest.

As we approach Thanksgiving, my heart is drawn to the reminder found in 1 Corinthians 15:55–57:“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We grieve on this earth. The empty seat at the table, the birthday celebrations that feel incomplete, the places that stir our memories—those things still hurt. But for those who are saved, those who belong to Christ, the grave has no victory. Katherine is with Him. Her suffering is gone. Her joy is full.

And one day—because of the truth declared in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again—we who are saved will join our loved ones in the presence of the Lord. One day our bodies will also be raised, restored, and made new. That promise gives us something to be genuinely thankful for, even in seasons of sorrow.

I can miss my daughter deeply and still be grateful—grateful for salvation, grateful for the hope of eternity, and grateful for a Savior who bore my punishment so that death is not the end.

If you would like to know more about salvation—how to become one of God’s children—please reach out to our church. And if you know me personally, I’m always willing to talk.