The church at Corinth was facing many of its problems because of a lack of love for the Lord and for their fellow man. They were so focused on “spiritual gifts” and puffed up about spiritual gifts that they failed to see and understand that love is more important than any gift.
On nine occasions in I Corinthians 13, Paul mentions the word charity and its supreme importance over tongues, prophecy, and knowledge. No matter how many or what spiritual gifts you have, you’ll never accomplish anything for God without charity. It is even greater than faith and hope (verse 13).
“When Alexander the Great became a world conqueror, he decided to have his portrait painted in oils. The finest artist in the realm was called to produce a masterpiece. When he arrived at Alexander’s court, the renowned general requested that the portrait be a full-face pose instead of a profile. This filled the artist with great distress, for one side of Alexander’s face was hideously disfigured by a long scar – the result of a battle wound. After studying his subject for some time, the painter came up with a happy solution. First he seated Alexander at a table; then, placing the General’s elbow on it, he asked him to cup his chin in his hand. As a final thoughtful gesture, the artist adjusted Alexander’s fingers so that they covered his unsightly scar. Then he went to work with paint and brushes and produced a flattering likeness of the General. In much the same way, Christian love will overlook or seek to minimize the faults and shortcomings of others.”
So remember, no matter what your spiritual gifts may be, they are worthless unless used in love.
What to do:
✞ Love people to the Lord.
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