“But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” – 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:1
Paul wrote this letter to an extremely gifted and talented church that was ripping itself apart! They needed to pursue the more excellent way of love. The church was divided, prideful, spiritually immature, and deeply influenced by the prevailing secular culture outside the church. As is usually true with 1 Corinthians, this sounds exactly like the modern American church!
Today we have easy access to amazing scholars, incredible Bible study resources at our fingertips, extraordinarily talented preachers and teachers, and a surplus of Christian leaders with vast platforms and loud voices exerting influence. But where’s the love? Too often, Christ-like love that’s humble, patient, gracious, kind, steadfast, and truly caring is missing altogether.
Without losing our theological rigor and passion for the Bible, our churches need a fresh encounter with Christ’s love. As Christians, we’re supposed to be leading with love rather than anger, condemnation, or legalism. Of course, we must teach and preach right doctrine, affirm God’s design for the world and human flourishing, and reach the lost with the good news of Jesus Christ. However, the way we do those things must be grounded in genuine, practical, sacrificial, costly love. Without love, our wonderful teaching and preaching is just an ungodly cacophony that benefits no one other than Satan!
Are you eagerly desiring the higher gift of love? Are you walking in the more excellent way of Christ? Is Christ’s love the theme of your life?