Gifted Part 11: The Way Of Love (1 Cor 13:4-7)

Tucked right in the middle of Paul's discussion on spiritual gifts is 1 Corinthians 13, which is all about love. Paul goes so far as to say we could actually be functioning in miraculous spiritual gifts and still completely miss the point, merely becoming like an annoying, clanging cymbal, unless those gifts are being expressed out of genuine love for one another. God gives us these gifts, yes, and He wants us to have the right heart in their use. Love is patient and kind. It doesn't envy, boast, or dishonor others. It's not selfish, not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. It doesn't delight in evil but rejoices in truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. These are all qualities of God Himself, and He is equipping us to share these same qualities together. God's heart for us is that we love others in the same way that He has first loved us.