The New Testament teaches that God has placed within each believer one or more spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts so that a believer may use them to minster to others in the church. One’s fullest joy comes from ministering to another in the name of Christ. We serve in love.
Internal workings of the church
Paul writes much about the internal workings of the church in 1 Corinthians 12-14. Spiritual gifts are explained in some detail in this section. The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is repeated. Check it out.
So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.
1 Corinthians 14:12 ESV (Emphasis added)What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV (Emphasis added).
Love described
In the heart of his message on the church Paul includes his now famous passage on love. Without love the internal workings of the church fizzle and service proves fruitless. Spiritual gifts languish on the shelf and gather dust.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ESV
Love is the key to serving others. Spiritual gifts benefit no one without love. How does love apply to serving? Review Paul’s words.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Aspects of love
Consider these aspects of love which should be in evidence as we practice our spiritual gifts in service of others.
- Love is patient with people no matter their maturity level.
- Love is kind even under stress.
- Love gives others the benefit of the doubt.
- Love does more than is expected.
- Love serves and keeps on serving.
- Love operates with confidence in God’s power.
- Love does not envy the success of others.
- Love does not boast of personal achievements.
- Love is courteous and respectful to everyone.
- Love does not demand its own way.
- Love is not easily irritated.
- Love does not resent the giftedness of others.
Does love flavor my service?
Thank you for the “Love is” listing. It really helps to clarify areas I need to keep an eye on and ways I can improve my relationships.
You are welcome, Shawn. I am glad the words are helpful.
This is good! Thanks
Thank you, Debbie. I wish I could say these ideas mark my service but honestly I am still learning how.