Introduction
In the journey of Christian living and spiritual growth, many believers focus intently on acquiring and manifesting the spiritual gifts - prophecy, healing, tongues, and word of knowledge etc. While the Scriptures clearly encourage us to “earnestly desire the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31), the Apostle Paul immediately pivots to introduce a concept that is far more profound, enduring, and ultimately more powerful: Love.
Spiritual gifts, while vital for ministry and edification, are not the ultimate plan of God for His children. There is something better, a more excellent way, that serves as the foundation and filter for all divine activity in our lives. This foundational call is to be transformed into the very image of Jesus Christ.
The Ultimate Call: Conformation to Christ
The highest destiny for every single believer, irrespective of their specific spiritual gifts, office, or ministry, is Christlikeness. The Bible leaves no ambiguity about this divine blueprint for humanity:
“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).
This journey towards perfection is the core focus of our spiritual development: “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
This process of spiritual transformation is so significant that it captures the attention of the entire cosmos, moving beyond just believers to encompass all of creation. The Scripture declares with an almost palpable sense of excitement:
“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed” (Romans 8:19 NIV).
The revelation the world is truly waiting for is not merely a greater manifestation of the miraculous gifts, but the full manifestation of the sons and daughters of God - those who reflect the very nature and character of Christ, which is Love.
The Excellent Way: Love Trumps All Gifts
In 1 Corinthians 12:31, Paul encourages us to eagerly seek spiritual gifts, but immediately interjects, “And yet I show you a more excellent way.” This more excellent way is the pivot point in the discussion of spiritual power versus spiritual character.
What is this excellent way? The answer is revealed in the very next chapter, and reiterated in the context of pursuing spiritual abilities:
“Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1).
Here, the divine priority shifts. Paul moves the primary zeal and focus away from simply acquiring the gift itself and directs it toward Love. The pursuit of the gifts is secondary to, and dependent upon, the pursuit of Love.
The theological and practical conclusion is clear:
Love is greater than all the gifts and is, in itself, the greatest spiritual gift (the fruit of the Spirit).
To easily receive, maintain, and walk flawlessly in any of the spiritual gifts, the foundation of Love is absolutely necessary.
Without the guardrail of Christ-like love, the operation of spiritual gifts can be corrupted by sin, pride, selfishness, and fleshly ambition.
Defining Divine Love: The Nature of God
To pursue love, we must first understand what it is. Love is not merely an emotion or a feeling, though it certainly expresses deep emotion. Love is a person and a nature:
God is Love = Love is God.
The Apostle John makes this definitive statement: “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us.
To pursue and have love means to pursue and embody the very nature of God.
The Blueprint of Love: 1 Corinthians 13
How does one know if they are truly walking in this divine, foundational love? Paul provides a clear, actionable definition in the famous Love Chapter.
Patience and Kindness.
It does not envy (jealousy) or boast (pride).
It is not proud or dishonouring of others.
It is not self-seeking or easily angered.
It keeps no record of wrongs (forgiveness).
It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.
(1 Corinthians 13:4–7 NIV)
This kind of love is not manufactured by human effort.
The Eternal vs. The Temporary
While God gives us spiritual gifts and abilities to act in His dimension and accomplish His will on earth, the pursuit of Christlike character is the ultimate goal. The more you become Christlike—the more you mature in love - the more naturally and authentically the spiritual gifts will begin to manifest in you. You will not have to frantically chase after them; they will simply flow from your identity as a son or daughter of God.
Ultimately, Love is the only spiritual reality that endures forever:
“Love never ends.
As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away” (1 Corinthians 13:8).
Spiritual gifts are temporary tools for a temporary age.
Conclusion
Sons and daughters of God are the offspring of Love itself, and therefore, they ought to look and act like their Father, God. Therefore, shift your obsession from running after the spectacular gifts to pursuing the path of becoming more like Jesus. When you are established in Love, you will never lack the necessary gifts to fulfill your purpose. When you walk in love, you will see people and circumstances through the eyes of Jesus, which will prevent you from being judgmental and operating in the flesh. By prioritizing love, God will trust you with more significant and detailed manifestations of His power.
Amen
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(Explore the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit and identify your personal gifts. Get a copy from Amazon or download a PDF from our Shop).