Glittering Powers

Paul continues to help us understand what love is by exploring what it isn’t. Some people are gifted with the ability to speak God’s word in a timely and challenging way, understand things that would normally be beyond them, and do extraordinary things through their faith in Jesus, but without love, all these things are worthless.

We may know someone who seems particularly gifted in these ways, and might be tempted to be in awe of them, assuming they must be super spiritual and deserving of our support. But we mustn’t be naive: someone can have all these gifts and signs, yet be empty of love. Jesus himself said:

On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”

Matthew 7:22-23

Sinclair writes, “…when Christ gives you a gift, it will be a blessing to you; but the gift isn’t primarily for you. It is to enable you to express your love for him by serving others. Paul had these gifts in abundance. But whenever he used them he would say, We are your servants (bond-slaves) for Jesus’ sake (for example, see 2 Corinthians 4:5).”

But Paul is not the supreme example of self-renouncing, others-serving love: Jesus Christ is. He had all prophetic powers, understood all mysteries and all knowledge, had mountain-moving faith, but because he loved us, he laid those things aside and came down to us. He lived among us as a man, and died in our place.

Today, think about whether you’ve ever felt that your gifts are going unrecognised or unused. Why have you felt that way? What can you remind yourself of next time that happens? Thank God for the opportunities he gives you to serve him, and ask him to fill your heart with love for those around you.

Love Came Down at Christmas by Sinclair B. Ferguson (published by The Good Book Company) available to buy at Eden Christian Bookstore or Amazon.