Tag: prophesy desired.
The Way of Love!
Scripture reading for November 25th: 1st Corinthians 11-14
Many people get excited about the spiritual gifts. God gives each person gifts through the Holy Spirit that are to be used to build up the body of Christ. (1st Corinthians 12:7) These gifts may be characterized in three general categories. There are those gifts that impart knowledge–word of wisdom, word of knowledge and prophesy. Other gifts are used to do something: gifts of healing, miraculous powers, and faith. Another type of gift is used to reveal something: discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. These gifts are given by the Lord through the Holy Spirit as He determines they are needed. (1st Corinthians 12:11)
In addition to these manifestations of the Spirit, God has also appointed different offices to people to help with the work of ministry. Some are apostles, sent to evangelize and plant churches. Others are prophets and teachers who equip the body for ministry. Others work miracles and facilitate divine healing. Others may be good at administration and management. Still others speak in tongues and others interpret. (1st Corinthians 12:28-31) God places these gift-people in the body just as He sees fit! (1st Corinthians 12:18)
We are encouraged to eagerly desire the greater gifts! But Paul cites the most excellent pursuit–the way of love! (1st Corinthians 13) We can have any number of the gifts, but without love they are empty and useless. Love is a vital ingredient because the gifts must be used with love and compassion. God’s heart is to love and heal, not just to do something! God Himself is love! He is patient and kind with us. He is not easily angered, but is always ready to forgive. He forgives and never keeps a record of the wrongs done ! He delights in truth and righteousness. He is a God of hope and His love never fails!
He encourages us to love like He does. We must grow up in our faith in order to do that. Love is the greatest gift that we can ever have and give! We must first follow the way of love and then desire the gifts. (1st Corinthians 14:1) Take time today to check your heart. Are you following the way of love? How’s your love life with God? Are you taking time to love Him and allowing His love to flow through you? Would people say that you were full of the love of God? Invite the Holy Spirit to release a fresh ability to love others in your heart today.