Gifted Pt. 4

“But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.” “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”

Devotional Thought:
At the end of 1 Corinthians 12, Paul has just finished teaching about spiritual gifts. Some teach, some lead, some serve, some heal, and others operate in different gifts given by the Holy Spirit. Then Paul makes an important transition: “But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.”

That better way is love.
First Corinthians 13 is often read at weddings, but Paul originally wrote these words to a church struggling with how they were using their spiritual gifts. His point was clear: your gift may be powerful, but without love, it loses its purpose.

Paul says you can speak with extraordinary ability, understand deep spiritual truths, possess great faith, give generously, and make tremendous sacrifices. But if love is missing, none of it amounts to what God intended.

Spiritual gifts reveal what God has equipped us to do. Love determines how we do it.

Love is patient when people are still growing. Love is kind when correction is needed. Love does not become jealous when someone else’s gift receives attention. Love does not need recognition. Love does not keep a record of every offense. Love protects, trusts, hopes, and keeps going.

Our gifts are temporary tools for ministry, but love has eternal value. That is why Paul says, “the greatest of these is love.”

God does not simply want gifted people. He wants gifted people who love people well.

Practical Application

• Before using your gift, ask, “Am I doing this from a place of love?”
• Celebrate someone else’s gift instead of comparing it with your own.
• Practice patience with people who are still growing spiritually.
• Serve without needing recognition or applause.
• Ask God to develop your character as much as He develops your gift.

Father, thank You for the gifts You have placed in me. Help me never become so focused on using my gift that I forget to love people. Make me patient, kind, humble, and gracious. Teach me to serve others with the heart of Jesus. May everything I do flow from love and bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
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-Pastor Dwight