Inner Value

 1 Corinthians 13:6-7

What is the basis of love? What is the foundation on which we build our understanding of how to love someone? I think the best answer is God Himself. Paul makes the same point in our reading today. As he unwinds his teaching about the importance of love being expressed through the use of Spiritual Gifts, he stops to make sure they understand not just what love acts like, but what love looks like. First, Paul gives a negative and positive test for what true love look like. Love, true spiritual love, does not delight in evil, but rejoices in truth. The love that Paul is urging the Corinthians (and us) to display towards one another should be one that does not find itself attracted to or interested in things that are evil. What is evil? By simply definition, things that are opposed to the things of God. You can not be godly (chasing the things of God) and evil (chasing the things opposed to God) at the same time. You can't go both ways. This alone would be a good enough test for true love. But Paul goes one step farther for us. Paul gives us four more guides for what true Spiritual Love looks like. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. These are all positive tests. The love God wants us to have for one another is one that always pushes forward to protect one another, to grow our collective confidence in Christ, to wait joyfully for the return of Christ, and to remain faithful until the Savior returns. This is what our love should be doing. This is also what our Spiritual Gifts are supposed to do for one another as well. I don't know you, but that is definitely the church I want to go to! 

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, please help me to have the level of faith that encourages others to trust in You more. Please help me learn and understand how to use the gifts You have given me. I want to be an active part of Your Church doing the work You have left for us. Thank You Lord, Amen. 

Reflection: 
How does the inner value of love change the way spiritual gifts are understood and received?