Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity
| << 1 Corinthians 11:34 | 1 Corinthians 12:2 >> |
What Does 1 Corinthians 12:1 Mean?
1 Corinthians 12:1-11
In I Corinthians 13, the Bible reveals love's supreme importance to life. Paul directly compares love's value to faith, hope, prophecy, sacrifice, knowledge, and the gift of tongues and indirectly with all other gifts of God mentioned in chapter 12. He in no way denigrates the others' usefulness to life and God's purpose, but none can compare in importance to love.
The Corinthians took great pleasure in their gifts, just as we would, but a gift's relative importance is shown in its temporal quality. That is, there are times when a gift is of no use. But love will never end; it will always be of use.
Indeed, the receiving of gifts from God - unless accompanied by and used with love - have the potential to corrupt the one receiving them. God's gifts are powers given to enhance a person's ability to serve God in the church. However, we have all heard the cliché, "power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." If gifts are not received and used with love, they will play a part in corrupting the recipient, just as they were corrupting the Corinthians. Love is the attribute of God that enables us to receive and use His gifts without corruption.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Fruit of the Spirit: Love
Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing 1 Corinthians 12:1:
Ecclesiastes 7:23-29
Matthew 24:14
Matthew 25:15
Hebrews 4:1-2
| << 1 Corinthians 11:34 | 1 Corinthians 12:2 >> |
Join 137,316+ readers
A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning
Consistent Bible study is hard to start.
The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.
Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.
Though God's spiritual gifts, detailed in chapter 12, serve to enhance a person's ability to serve God in the church, none can compare in importance to love. Paul compares love's supreme value to faith, hope, prophecy, sacrifice, knowledge, and tongues, and indirectly to all other gifts. He does not denigrate their usefulness, but a gift's relative importance is shown in its temporal quality—there are times when it is of no use. Love, however, never ends. The Corinthians took great pleasure in their gifts, yet gifts received and used without love have the potential to corrupt the recipient, as they were corrupting the Corinthians. Love is the attribute of God that enables us to receive and use His gifts without corruption.