The Greatest Gift
READ: 1 Corinthians 13:1-15
We all look forward to receiving gifts. Some gifts are practical, some educational and some recreational. But no matter what the gift or who it is from, the gift is more special when it is given out of love. And it can mean even more still if we continue to use the gift in a loving way. This same principle applies to spiritual gifts.
God has given each of us many different gifts. He blesses some with talents in athletics; others are blessed with academic knowledge, and still others music and the arts. What makes these gifts so special is that He gave them to us in His perfect love. The key to the gift is that He wants us to use them by following His example of love. He tells us that no matter what the gift, it is meaningless without that love when He says, “…and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
Take all that God has given you — everything from your possessions to your faith — and follow the example of Jesus' love. He reveals to us the joy that come from following his command to love. He demonstrated the ultimate gift by sending Christ to save us. He also promises us that we will see face to face the glory of that gift someday. Until that time, glorify him by using all He has given you to show his love to others.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: What can an individual do in everyday life to show love to others? What can Christians do to show love to the world? How else does Jesus show His love?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Ask the Lord to help you demonstrate His love. Give thanks for the love He has shown. Pray for the love of the Spirit to work in unbelieving hearts.