How can we prioritize love while desiring spiritual gifts in our daily lives? Setting the Stage: 1 Corinthians 14:1 “Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.” Why Love Comes First • Love reflects the very nature of God (1 John 4:8). • Without love, even the most dramatic gifts become empty noise (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). • Love endures forever, while gifts are temporary (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). • Every gift finds its purpose in building up people; love supplies the motive and direction. What It Means to Desire Spiritual Gifts • “Eagerly desire” conveys an active, passionate longing, not passive interest. • The Spirit distributes gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11); our role is openness and readiness. • Desire aligns with stewardship: “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10). • Pursuing gifts is not selfish ambition when the goal is ministry and edification (1 Corinthians 14:12). Practical Steps for Daily Life 1. Begin each day by recalling God’s love displayed at the cross (Romans 5:8). 2. Consciously decide to treat every person with patience, kindness, and humility (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). 3. Ask the Lord to highlight an opportunity for service, then act in faith. 4. Study passages on the gifts (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14, Ephesians 4) and note where your heart stirs. 5. Practice in safe settings: • Encourage someone with Scripture—prophetic in seed form. • Pray for healing when a need arises. • Share material resources generously—an expression of the gift of giving. 6. Evaluate every use of a gift by its fruit: does it build up, bring peace, and point to Christ (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 14:33)? 7. Stay teachable under godly leadership, inviting correction that keeps love central (Ephesians 4:15-16). Guardrails to Keep Love Central • Maintain regular self-examination through 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as a checklist. • Remember the body principle: gifts serve the whole church, not personal prestige (1 Corinthians 12:14-27). • Keep short accounts; quickly forgive offenses so ministry flows without hindrance (Colossians 3:13-14). • Pair zeal with wisdom—pursue maturity so gifts operate decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). A Picture of Love-Fueled Gifts in the Early Church • Acts 3:1-10 – Peter heals the lame man, then redirects all glory to Jesus. Love meets need; the miracle opens ears to the gospel. • Acts 9:36-42 – Dorcas uses practical gifts of service and generosity; her resurrection reinforces how love and the supernatural collaborate. • Acts 11:27-30 – Agabus prophesies famine; believers respond with an offering. Prophetic insight functions through love to protect and provide. Encouragement for Today Love establishes the atmosphere where gifts flourish. Keep embracing love as the non-negotiable foundation, while boldly asking the Father for every grace necessary to bless others. The Spirit delights to combine compassionate hearts with powerful gifts, making Christ visible in everyday life. |
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