Ramblings on What We Share: The Greatest Gift

And yet I will show you the most excellent way.  If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 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 do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. I Corinthians 12:31b-13:3

 

Why is it when you receive a gift that it’s the person who gave it rather than the object received that makes it special? On my shelf in my office are trinkets given to me by various people throughout my life. A German shot glass given to me by old Mrs. Murphy who used to run a party barn near the farm where I grew up. A tiny music box given to me by my friend Terry after his wife died as a memento of kindness I had shown her. It is the love and affection shared with people that make their gifts most precious.

 

The same could be said of the gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit. No spiritual gift, whether tongues, faith, prophecy or giving, can match the value of the love the triune God demonstrates to us by giving the gifts. And no level of excitement or fulfillment that we experience when used by God should ever compare to the depth, height and breadth of our love for God, our loving Father, Savior, and Comforter.

 

Spiritual gifts only gain value when demonstrated in and through love. Unless they are an expression of our compassion and kindness to those around us, they have little benefit. The most excellent way Paul describes is the way of the heart. Regardless of whether we are greatly gifted or feel we have no gift to share, every one of us can show love and that gains everything.

Ramblings on What We Share: Meeting Peoples’ Needs

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. I Corinthians 12:27-31a

 

Nature itself tells us that each species has different strengths. The leopard has speed. The turtle has protection. The wolf has a pack. Most species use their strength for self-preservation. Mankind is distinct in that God has given us supernatural strength through the Holy Spirit to be used for the preservation of others. The apostle is only effective if he has someone to lead. The prophet is only beneficial if there is someone to receive and benefit from his prophecies. The healer can’t exercise his gift if there is no one sick.

 

Paul tells us to eagerly desire these gifts, not because it will make us great in the eyes of others, but because these are the gifts the world needs the most. There is no shortage of lost, wandering souls looking for someone to show them the way. Flocks of people turn every day to palm readers and psychics because they need to know that which is unknowable by human wisdom. Hospitals are bursting with those who are hurt or struck with illness.

 

Jesus met these needs of mankind during His ministry. The multitudes followed Him because he spoke as one who has authority (Matt. 7:29). When He prophesied, they would ask, “When will these things be?” (Matt. 24:3). When He saw the sick being brought to Him, He had compassion on them and healed every last one (Matt. 12:15, 14:14).

 

God the Father appointed Jesus to these good works and He has a work for us as well. It should be our greatest wish and prayer to be able to follow Jesus’ example by providing for the needs of the people around us.