| Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash
In 1 Corinthians 12 and 14, we see Paul’s instruction on the gifts of the Spirit in the followers of Jesus. But in 1 Corinthians 13 – the Love Chapter, we see the middle of the Oreo cookie. We need the gifts, but the motivation for the gifts, ministry, and service is always love. Love keeps the journey moving forward.
1 Corinthians 12: 31 says, “So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. (the ones needed at the right time). But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.”
We need to desire the gifts, ministries, and purpose of our lives, but we must never forget the motive, passion, and desire for following Jesus and ministering to other people – LOVE!
1 Corinthians 13: 1-3 tells us the priority must be LOVE!
“If I could speak in all the languages of the earth and of angels, but didn’t love others , I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body,I could boast about it, but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.”
LOVE! This is a simple word, but this is the motivation that a follower of Jesus may prioritize. Love makes the journey so much better. Love makes our lives better. Love is the missing ingredient in marriages and families. Love is what makes the church fulfill its mission and purpose. Love makes the world go round.
Today, we need to make sure the motivation for everything we do is God’s Love in our lives and to love others! Lord, help me to remember this today!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pastor Ronald Squibb has been the International Christian Church (ICC) Lead Senior Pastor at Staten Island, New York, since 2011. He draws many experiences from his over 40 years as a pastor and significant emotional life experiences.
His new book, Following the Journey with Jesus, which he co-authored with Daniel McNaughton, was recently published and is getting rave reviews. His daily devotional appears in this publication.
