Dear SCC & Friends,
But earnestly desire the greater gifts, and I show you a still more excellent way.
~1 Corinthians 12:31
Update #25
When we earnestly desire something, it means we are focused, poised and hopeful for a certain outcome.. Spiritual gifts are not earned or merited but simply given by the Holy Spirit. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ~1Cor. 12:7 Gifts are given regardless of character or maturity, and are to be used to edify and bring glory to God. As wonderful as gifts are, and they are wonderful, Paul says there is a more excellent way…a better way to excellence in our relationship with God and each other. What is a more excellent way? It is not a gift of the Holy Spirit, but a fruit of the Holy Spirit, which matures in patience and process. It is love, the perfect bond of unity. ~Col.3:14
Love Never Fails
…Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth~1 Cor. 13:4-6 Ideologies, “isms” and utopian promises fail, but love does not. Even if I speak with tongues of angels or have all knowledge and all faith, I am nothing (bankrupt) without love. This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. ~Jn. 15:12 Love never fails. COVID has most likely brought the best and worst out of each one of us. Many positive things have happened, as well as battling the negative repercussions of stress and anxiety. Our identity and purpose is in Christ, who has called us to live at this very time in history. We have a choice whether we will pursue a more excellent way. Will God’s purpose be our purpose? Will we be postured to exercise love toward those we find unlovable? When this season passes, will the more excellent way be a greater part of who we are? But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. ~1 Cor. 13:13 Keep up the good work! Let’s gather this Friday, at 7:00 p.m. in the back parking lot for a time of prayer, worship and communion. Blessings!
God is love,
Kevin