The answer to all the problems in the Corinthian church was essentially simple: they needed to learn to love one another. This is what would make them powerful and effective. We might think that the church would be more powerful and effective if only we experienced more signs and wonders. We might think that, if only we had more prophecy, healing and more charismatic leaders, surely then we would triumph. That’s what the Corinthian Christians thought. They flocked behind charismatic leaders, they elevated the more sensational gifts, and they sought after greater manifestations of the Spirit. But in all this they were misguided. The thing that makes a church powerful and effective is LOVE. To love someone is to recognise their infinite sacred value. To love someone is to see beyond attributes and achievements. It is also to see past their imperfections. To love someone is to affirm their value as God’s children. God made us to be the mirrors of his love to each other. When the church reflects God’s love it shines as a light in the darkness. It is love which overcomes the darkness, not supernatural abilities. Supernatural gifts are given to the church as tools of love to build others up. The gifts will pass away. Only love will remain. Ask God to equip you with the gifts of the Spirit but cultivate love, along with faith and hope, above all. Only what is done in love has any significance.
Ask God to show you how to love more truly.
Read 1 Corinthians 13
