1 Corinthians 14:1-12

1 Corinthians 13 ends with, "...and the greatest of these is love."  Of all the Spiritual gifts a believer is given, the greatest is love. Chapter 14 moves us toward two gifts--Prophecy and Tongues.  Years ago at a prayer meeting at church someone in the congregation began speaking in tongues.  As a new believer, I did not understand what was going on.

Thankfully the pastor who was presiding stopped everything and asked if anyone was able to translate.  There was someone who spoke up and shared the meaning of the foreign conversation.  Pastor then explained that anytime someone speaks in this manner there must be someone present to interpret. He explained to us about the gift of tongues, how it is a special communication between the speaker and God.  He also talked about other gifts that are meant to promote and lift up the body.  Those with the gift of Prophecy edify the church, promote the Word and educate believers.


"Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—because it does."  (1 Corinthians 14:1)  Aren't those great words to hear?  No one can live without love.  Think about it, name off the different types of love in your life.  Who and what do you love?  Do you love a spouse, child, sibling, friend, or pet?

Can you imagine life without that loving relationship, the companionship, and special feelings that love gives?  Isn't that why, when a loved one leaves us it hurts and makes us wonder if we will ever be the same?  "And the greatest of these is love."

Read the text for today in the Message translation at Biblegateway here.