Love Is A Gift (1 Corinthians 14:1)

I have taken many personality surveys, intended to help me understand my abilities and interests. In the secular world, these abilities might be dubbed aptitudes. In the Christian world, the term gifts has often been used. For many years, I have viewed these abilities as gifts from God, the Holy Spirit, who uses these gifts to empower His Church. And this is correct. But what I failed to realize is that even love is a gift.

Perhaps this not as startling a revelation to some as it is to me. Most of us believe we all have an inherent ability to love. It is easy to love a great performance, a splendidly prepared meal, or an act of kindness from a friend or family member. But is it as easy to love someone whom you have loved, but now has hurt you? It is easy to love someone who hates you and wants to kill you because of your race, gender, or religion? Jesus commanded us to love our enemies. The only way we can truly do this is by God changing our hearts.

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts…

1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV)

I cannot take love for granted. I must pursue love with the same fervor that I use the gifts that God has given me. Love needs to be continually sought, rekindled, and refreshed. It must be pursued because love is a gift.

The only way I can do this is by confessing and repenting of my sins and accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. True love is a gift from God. Only when we acknowledge this can we truly begin to love the way God intended us to love one another.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.