A Better Way

 Unity in diversity is only possible when we love as Jesus loved … and that’s the work of the Spirit.

That’s what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13 — the love chapter. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul taught about the vital role of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ. After summarizing his thoughts (1 Corinthians 12:27-31a), he said there was something more important than spiritual gifts. That something more was love — loving as Jesus loved. Spiritual gifts were hollow and empty unless they were used in love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

Spiritual gifts are a dimension of our personality, set free by the Spirit. Love is an expression of character, made possible by the transforming work of the Spirit.

Love lies at the heart of God’s character (1 John 4:8). Steadfast, faithful love is the governing dimension of the heart of God (Exodus 4:6-7).

The Spirit is at work, transforming our hearts and minds, so that love becomes the defining quality of our character. The Spirit is recreating us in the image of God, in the likeness of Christ. The Spirit is developing a servant spirit within us.

Paul is clear that love is expressed in how we relate to others. Love — read “the Spirit” — moves us beyond us-them, better than-less than attitudes (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). As we grow spiritually — again, the work of the Spirit — we are set free from our ego-centric, what’s-in-it-for-me nature. We are set free to use our gifts and abilities along with our passions to serve others.

Paul’s teaching about spiritual gifts and about love was the foundation for his teaching about how the gift of speaking in tongues was being used — abused — in Corinth, causing strife and division.

Paul called the Corinthians — and us — to “pursue love and strive for the spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 14:1). We are to actively pursue growing spiritually while seeking to use our gifts in ministry to others. Both are the work of the Spirit!