Daily Devotional - Spiritual Gifts - Week 50 - Day 345 - 12/11/25 - "Pursue Love, Desire the Spirit's Gifts"

Author: Evangelist Lisa Dalton

“Pursue Love, Desire the Spirit’s Gifts”
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:1, NIV

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.”

Devotion:
Paul sets the priority straight: love comes first. Spiritual gifts are powerful and necessary for building up the church, but they must be exercised in the context of LOVE. Without love, gifts can become self-serving or divisive. With love, they become channels of encouragement, guidance, and unity.

The call to “eagerly desire” spiritual gifts reminds us that it’s good to long for God’s empowering presence. Prophecy, in particular, is highlighted because it strengthens, encourages, and comforts the body of Christ (v.3). This verse challenges us to balance passion for spiritual empowerment with a commitment to love as the foundation.

Application:

• Prioritize love: Ask yourself if your actions today are motivated by love.
• Seek the Spirit’s gifts: Pray for God to reveal and grow the gifts He has placed in you.
• Encourage others: Use your words to strengthen and comfort someone today.
• Stay balanced: Remember that gifts without love lose their power and purpose.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gifts of Your Spirit. Teach me to walk in love above all else, and to desire Your gifts not for my own glory but for the building up of others. Help me to listen for Your voice and speak words that encourage and strengthen. In Jesus’ name, Amen.