1 Corinthians 12:12-13:13

Yesterday we were told about Spiritual Gifts and how we all have at least one; how each Christian is given special gifts by the Holy Spirit to use for the good of the Community of Believers.  Today's words enforce that teaching and take it a step further.

It seems every time we get into a lesson we are reminded about LOVE.  All the gifts we have, all the ways in which we use these gifts mean nothing if our motive isn't pure.  That motive cannot be personal gain or popularity, but love.  Paul teaches the Corinthians and he teaches us, the specific gifts we have is not as important as the way in which these gifts are exercised.  Gifts are nothing without love.

"Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

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." (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:1)

Love is greater even than faith and hope. Love is the most excellent way.  Think about it, when have you been the happiest?  When have you felt great sadness?  For me, love was the common factor.  The hardest commandment God has given us is to love. The most difficult request God has made of us is to love. The most difficult expectation God has of us is for us to love. The greatest challenge God has given us is the challenge found in loving.

Randy Alcorn's, in his book, Heaven, says that the only thing we will take with us to Heaven is our love. That is a powerful statement and one that I find thrilling to ponder.

Read the 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:13 text here.  Listen to an audio reading of 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:13 here.