Eagerness for gifts, particularly spiritual gifts, is a theme addressed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to desire and pursue the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This eagerness is not merely for personal edification but for the building up of the church and the glorification of God.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul addresses the topic of spiritual gifts extensively in his letters to the early churches. In 1 Corinthians 12:31, Paul exhorts the believers, "But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you a way that is beyond comparison." Here, Paul acknowledges the importance of spiritual gifts while pointing to love as the most excellent way, indicating that the pursuit of gifts should be rooted in love and service to others.

In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul further instructs, "Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." This verse highlights the balance between love and the desire for spiritual gifts, emphasizing that the gifts should be sought with the intention of edifying the church. The gift of prophecy is particularly noted for its role in strengthening, encouraging, and comforting the congregation (1 Corinthians 14:3).

Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

The purpose of spiritual gifts is to serve the common good and to build up the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:7, Paul writes, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." This underscores the communal aspect of spiritual gifts, which are not meant for personal gain or status but for the benefit of the entire church community.

Ephesians 4:11-12 further elaborates on the purpose of these gifts: "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." The gifts are given to equip believers for service and to promote unity and maturity within the church.

Attitude Toward Gifts

While eagerness for gifts is encouraged, the attitude with which one seeks these gifts is crucial. Humility and a heart of service are essential. In Romans 12:3-6, Paul advises, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and not all members have the same function, so in Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another. We have different gifts according to the grace given us."

This passage emphasizes the diversity of gifts and the importance of recognizing that each gift, though different, is vital to the functioning of the body of Christ. Believers are called to use their gifts in humility and cooperation with others.

Warnings and Encouragements

The New Testament also provides warnings against the misuse of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul warns that without love, the exercise of spiritual gifts is meaningless: "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."

Believers are encouraged to seek spiritual gifts with the right motives, aiming to glorify God and edify the church. The eagerness for gifts should be accompanied by a desire to grow in love, humility, and service, reflecting the character of Christ in all things.