1 Corinthians 15:31
“I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”
What does 1 Corinthians 15:31 mean?
Paul is saying something countercultural here, especially to people going through difficult times. He's swearing by his pride in the Corinthian church (his genuine affection for them) that he literally dies to himself every single day. It's not about physical death, but about continuously letting go of his own agenda, comfort, and ego so that Christ's purposes can work through him. This resonates deeply because Paul isn't claiming he's already "arrived" spiritually or that he made one grand decision years ago to follow Jesus. Instead, he's describing an ongoing practice of surrender that happens daily, moment by moment. For anyone struggling to find meaning in suffering or wondering if their faith should feel easier than it does, this verse suggests that spiritual maturity often looks like persistent, humble letting-go rather than triumphant victory. It's an honest word about what devotion actually costs.