The concept of spiritual gifts is a significant theme within the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the body of Christ, the Church. The encouragement to desire these gifts is rooted in the understanding that they are essential for the edification and effective functioning of the Christian community.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the encouragement to desire spiritual gifts is found in 1 Corinthians 12-14. 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." This verse highlights the importance of seeking spiritual gifts, particularly those that have a significant impact on the church's growth and unity.

In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul further instructs, "Pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." Here, the apostle emphasizes the priority of love as the guiding principle in the exercise of spiritual gifts, while also encouraging believers to seek gifts that edify the church, such as prophecy.

Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

The purpose of spiritual gifts is multifaceted. According to 1 Corinthians 12:7, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." Spiritual gifts are not for personal glorification but are intended to benefit the entire body of Christ. They serve to strengthen, encourage, and comfort believers, as well as to equip them for service and ministry.

Ephesians 4:11-12 further elaborates on this purpose: "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 distribution of gifts is a divine strategy to ensure that the church is well-equipped to fulfill its mission in the world.

Diversity and Unity

The diversity of spiritual gifts is a testament to the creativity and sovereignty of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people." This diversity is intended to promote unity within the church, as each member contributes uniquely to the whole.

Romans 12:6-8 also speaks to this diversity: "We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one's gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Each gift is valuable and necessary for the church's health and mission.

The Role of Love

While the desire for spiritual gifts is encouraged, Paul places a strong emphasis on love as the foundation for their use. In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," Paul underscores that without love, the exercise of spiritual gifts is meaningless. He states in 1 Corinthians 13:1-2, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."

Love ensures that spiritual gifts are used selflessly and for the benefit of others, reflecting the character of Christ. It is the greatest gift and the ultimate goal of all spiritual endeavors.

Conclusion

The encouragement to desire spiritual gifts is a call to participate actively in the life of the church, using the unique abilities bestowed by the Holy Spirit. These gifts are to be sought with a heart of love and a desire to serve, ensuring that the body of Christ is built up and equipped for its divine mission.