Wednesday
1 Corinthians 12:27-31

Here are a few takeaways from the first part of today’s reading:

1. God gives different members of the body different gifts.
2. There is not one gift God gives to every member.
3. No member of the body receives every gift.

The latter part of today’s verses is what some might consider a bridge from one major thought to another. So far, Paul has presented a catalog of the spiritual gifts. Then he mentions that we (as a collective church) are to “earnestly desire the greater gifts.” This is a direct command to God’s church to consistently seek and use the gifts that help us better serve the people around us and spread the news of Jesus. That desire should be a yearning in our hearts fueled by an unwavering love for God and for the people he created. Here is where the “bridge” concept enters the picture. After laying out the gifts and commanding us to desire the gifts, Paul defines the key element he calls “the more excellent way” in chapter 13—LOVE! Sharing our spiritual gifts out of a love for God and for others is a powerful combination.