Catechism: Desiring Wholenessਨਮੂਨਾ

We often think about our gifts as our talents: special abilities we have that are above average. But when the Bible talks about gifts, it’s not talking about a talent that gets us recognized or famous. Our gifts aren’t specialized skills; they’re character traits God cultivates within us to share with others for the ultimate purpose of bringing unity to the body of Christ. 

We tend to celebrate the most visible gifts, like teaching and preaching. While those are incredibly useful, the Bible tells us they aren’t what’s most important. The most important gift we can share with others, and the most important gift to ensure the unity of the Church, is love. God is love. And we are never more like God than when we are genuinely loving others. Without love, any talents we think we can use for God are actually harmful. If we aren’t teaching and serving with a heart of love, our efforts are useless. 

God’s design for us is to grow and flourish within a community, and this is only possible when that community is based on a genuine love for one another. 

Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Reflection Questions

1. How can gifts like teaching, knowledge, prophecy, and even faith be meaningless without love? Have you ever been around someone who had a lot of biblical knowledge but not love? What was that experience like?
2. As you read the verses that begin “Love is…,” replace “love” with “Jesus.” How has Jesus been kind and patient with you? Take some time to thank Him for exemplifying love for us.
3. Gifts like teaching and knowledge can earn recognition and approval from others, but love often goes unseen: God is the only one that can see the true motivations of our hearts and the hearts of others. Ask God to help you increase in your love for others and seek His approval above all.