A More Excellent Way
1 Corinthians 12
31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
1 Corinthians 131 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
Balance
We find the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians - the love chapter as most refer to it - sandwiched between the 12th and the 14th chapters which explain the nature, function, and use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. And for good reason. Spiritual gifts must be balanced with the fruit of the Spirit for a proper witness and proper use.
He says, " I will show you the most excellent way", not as a criticism of spiritual gifts or to suggest a ceasing of spiritual gifts, but as a control and guide for their use.
Love must always be our guide. Whatever we do, whether exercising gifts, or giving, or serving, or whatever - it must be motivated and guided by love for God and for one another.
Jesus said the greatest commandment is, "to love the Lord and love your neighbor". All the commandments hang on these two. The Ten Commandments break into two divisions - love God and love one another.
The problems in the Corinthian church all resulted from lack of love. They had God. They had salvation. They had gifts and works. But they lacked love.
Problems
Look at the problems this church had.
All of these had the same source - lack of love for one another. Most problems in churches result from lack of pure love and trust.
If we loved each other we would be more patient and tolerant of one another.
We would show more kindness.
We would be more supportive, less suspicious, less envious.
We would seek other's welfare over our own.
We would be more forgiving, less hostile.
We would be more thoughtful, more trusting, more positive, more gentle.
We would be more dedicated and committed to one another.
Love as a guide
Paul never suggests that the gifts were wrong or that there was something better. He is not suggesting that we should choose between gifts or fruits.
What he is suggesting is that the gifts should always be used in love. The exercise of any gift should be for the good of the body and the good of the body - never for the glory of the one using it.
Spirituality is not something to be shown off, but something with which to bless others. All ministry must be motivated and guided by love.
You don't witness because you're supposed to, but because of a love for souls. You don't pray because you're supposed to, but because of love for God.
He says that spiritual gifts without love are nothing. Sacrifice without love is nothing. Love must be the motivation and guide for all we do.
For example
Consider what the faith movement has produced in this era. There is a great deal of spiritual pride and elitism. Some think they are better than others because they don't have the same problems. Some are judged unspiritual because they got sick or lost money. There is even a rudeness that is accepted as spirituality when we callously condemn others for their apparent lack of faith.
A person asks for prayer, explaining the problem, and are harshly rebuked for "confessing that". There is a cockiness in the quip, "Well, I'll just believe that for you, brother."
Do we think we're helping by making someone feel foolish? No! We're belittling. Our lack of love and tenderness is worse than their lack of faith. You don't teach by insulting or embarrassing. You teach by gently leading and caring.
Jesus didn't smart off or condemn his disciples. He corrected them in a gentle and loving way. Shouldn't we? Love should be our attitude - not disdain.
Look at verses 8-12. This does not suggest that tongues or miracles have ceased. It indicates that these things will not be necessary when we get to heaven. But love will always remain. Love is in a different class. You won't need spiritual gifts in heaven. But love will permeate everything.
Ch. 14.1 even says "follow love but desire spiritual gifts".
The church needs both.
Love for God
One thing greatly lacking in the church today is love for God.
We love our church. We love our program. We love our fellowship. We love our blessings. We love our work - our ministries - our security - our Christian benefits. We love being needed. We love being loved. But do we love God?
Why are we doing what we do?
Do you think Jesus came and saved us because we needed saving? No! He came because of love.
"For God so 'felt sorry for the world…'"
"For God so realized that we needed help…'"
"For God so needed fellowship with His creation…'"
"For God so wanted to build a big successful ministry…'"
"For God so wanted to start an exciting program…'"
"For God so wanted the approval of other Gods…'"
No!
Joh 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Jesus came because of love. That was His motivating force.
If we win souls, it will be because the love of God constrains us to do so.
If we have revival, it will be because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts.
If you serve God for any other reason than your great love for Him, then your reasons will be insufficient. Fall in love with Him!