1 Corinthians 14:1

1 Corinthians 14:1 - Follow the way of Love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

As we discussed in 1 Corinthians 13, without Love all we do is for nothing. Our life with Christ begins with Love, “For God so Loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” (John 3:16) And again in 1 John we read, “We Love because He first Loved us.” God’s Love makes everything worthwhile, but Paul tells us not to stop there.
Paul tells us that we must, “Follow the way of Love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts.” On their own spiritual gifts have no value; they are nothing. If they do not have the right motive behind them they are both useless to you and those around you. When spiritual gifts are based in Love, however, they have great value. Paul says to eagerly desire them, especially prophecy.
Why does Paul single out prophecy? What significance does it have over the other gifts? I think we often misunderstand the word prophecy. We are taught of prophecy as being a foretelling of events, but that is not entirely true. Prophecy is a life-giving word to those who hear it. It can be telling of future events, but is not limited to it. And when it does foretell of what is to come it is still meant to bring life to the hearer.
Prophecy, when done out of Love, is a powerful tool that God has given us. We ought to desire this. Sometimes it comes as just an encouraging word to someone. It doesn't have to be much, maybe just a scripture or a couple positive words, but it can change the life of the one to whom it is given. Really, the reason prophecy is so important is that it speaks to the heart of a man, who he really is, and when done in Love it brings life. It ministers to his spiritual and emotional needs.
So, to echo Paul, follow the way of Love and eagerly desire the gifts of God. When Love is our foundation all of these gifts will be used to help others and not for selfish gain. Love is the key; Love makes it all matter.

1 Corinthians 14:12

1 Corinthians 14:12 – So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

We all want to have spiritual gifts. God has blessed us with His Spirit and we know that the Spirit manifests itself on each of us in different ways at different times. Our desire is to experience this manifestation. In the last couple of chapters (1 Corinthians 12-13), we have seen Paul talking about different manifestations of the Spirit; different gifts, if you will.

In chapter 12 he talks about how we all have gifts and they are all different. He tells us that we must each use our gifts so that the church will operate as the body of Christ, and if one member is not using their gift the whole body suffers. Then in chapter 13 Paul speaks of Love. He tells us how Love is the most important thing. Without Love all the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit are useless. All things must be done in Love.

Now, as we read in this chapter Paul compares two specific gifts. He talks about tongues and prophecy. Speaking in tongues is good because it edifies and builds up your spirit within you. When you speak in tongues you are speaking to God and only god can understand you.  Prophecy, on the other hand, is for edifying and building up others. When you prophecy you are receiving a word directly from God to speak to someone.

When you are in a group it is better that you prophecy, because tongues is not beneficial to those around you, unless there is someone to interpret. In this verse we see that we are to “excel in gifts that build up the church.” It should be our desire when we are with others to help them in whatever way we can.

When the Spirit manifests itself on you it is not only for your benefit, but for the benefit of others as well.  Do all that you can to share all that God has given you. Eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit, but try to excel in the ones you can use to strengthen one another.