Longing For JesusSample

Yesterday we talked about waking up from our sleep to welcome Christ. Today, our Bible reading begins with these words, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Isn’t that a great way to welcome each morning? The struggles of yesterday are overshadowed with this renewed promise. 

Once Christ has entered us we witness a change in our speech and the knowledge that we have acquired. No one who meets Jesus ever remains the same. We are showered with many spiritual gifts like knowledge, wisdom, faith, healing, prophesy and tongues. But the greatest of all these is love. Why is love important is because love gives perspective. 

The perspective is that there is a higher purpose for these gifts. It is not meant to puff us up. Instead, our love for Christ inspires us to share it with one another and build the church (I Corinthians 14:26). Without wasting much time, we are reminded not to get lost in personal ecstasy but be filled with love for others.

Additionally, these gifts are merely meant to tease us of what is to come. Jesus is the real gift! That is why love is so important. Because when Jesus, the real gift, arrives all other gifts will become obsolete (I Corinthians 13:10) and what will remain is your love. Now, I Corinthians 8:3 becomes crucial, “But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” The gifts that we have must create a longing for Christ because when he arrives he recognizes us, not by our gifts but by our love.

So as you head out today, driven by your love for Christ, use your gifts in the loving service of others while longing for Jesus to come.