31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:31

Paul finished this chapter with a hint at what was to come. The next chapter is perhaps one of the most beloved in Scripture. Of course it is “the love chapter.” But before going there it’s important to wrap up this chapter. What we’ve just read here is great for building up the Body of Christ, but it’s nothing without the greatest gift of all. In fact, if you think about it, many people in this world are very unlovable. They may be downright mean and nasty. It takes a supernatural gift of love to love them. And some of those mean and nasty people are in the church!

So love underpins all of these gifts, as we’ll explore later in the next chapter. You can’t successfully use any of those gifts without love.

Take the time today to read back over this chapter and the next in one sitting. Think about what you’re reading. Bless God for the love He gives us.