Love Gifts
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-2
Lots of people have heard 1 Corinthians 13. It’s the classic wedding passage. But few know that Paul’s teaching on love actually fits within a wider conversation about spiritual gifts.
The Corinthians Church is asking Paul a question about the spiritual gifts, presumably their nature and operation. In chapter 12 Paul begins the explanation he will finish at the end of chapter 14. But smack bang in the middle is a whole chapter or section on love.
Some have seen it as a cut and paste. A later addition or almost a footnote. But this is to miss what Paul is saying. What is he saying?
Well, I think what Paul wants to be super clear on is this, that spiritual gifts are not an end unto themselves but are only to be used in love for God’s people. You see spiritual gifts are dangerous in the hands of sinners.
We have already spoken of this. For many of us, we have seen it. Whether it’s the gift of prophecy, teaching, administration (think of great organisers) or leadership, gifts can be used for selfish purposes.
And Paul says, better that you wouldn’t use them at all if not in love! Better to never use your spiritual gift and instead practise love. For love never fails.
Sadly today, many people eagerly try to find out their spiritual gift. They do surveys and questionnaires. But they never ask the question, do I want to know for love's sake? Or for my own.
For Today:
Pray: Praise the Father that He is love. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who gave everything He had in His love for us. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you use what you have in love of others.
1 Corinthians 13:1-2
Lots of people have heard 1 Corinthians 13. It’s the classic wedding passage. But few know that Paul’s teaching on love actually fits within a wider conversation about spiritual gifts.
The Corinthians Church is asking Paul a question about the spiritual gifts, presumably their nature and operation. In chapter 12 Paul begins the explanation he will finish at the end of chapter 14. But smack bang in the middle is a whole chapter or section on love.
Some have seen it as a cut and paste. A later addition or almost a footnote. But this is to miss what Paul is saying. What is he saying?
Well, I think what Paul wants to be super clear on is this, that spiritual gifts are not an end unto themselves but are only to be used in love for God’s people. You see spiritual gifts are dangerous in the hands of sinners.
We have already spoken of this. For many of us, we have seen it. Whether it’s the gift of prophecy, teaching, administration (think of great organisers) or leadership, gifts can be used for selfish purposes.
And Paul says, better that you wouldn’t use them at all if not in love! Better to never use your spiritual gift and instead practise love. For love never fails.
Sadly today, many people eagerly try to find out their spiritual gift. They do surveys and questionnaires. But they never ask the question, do I want to know for love's sake? Or for my own.
For Today:
- Do you wonder about your spiritual gifts?
- Do you desire to use whatever God has given you for love's sake?
- How can you grow in love?
Pray: Praise the Father that He is love. Give thanks for Jesus Christ who gave everything He had in His love for us. Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you use what you have in love of others.
Posted in Gifts of the Spirit
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