The More Excellent Way: Love at the Center of Spiritual Gifts

The More Excellent Way: Love at the Center of Spiritual Gifts
Jesus promises you this: “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

That truth anchors everything.

Orphans hustle for acceptance, striving to prove their worth, but heirs live from identity. You are already loved, already accepted, already secure in the Father’s family. That’s why you can boldly cry out, “Abba, Father”—a word that conveys intimacy, trust, and dependence.

When you know you’re a son or daughter, it changes how you see the gifts of the Spirit.



Gifts Are Tools, Not Trophies
Gifts of the Spirit aren’t badges to prove your worth or trophies to display your status. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:7:
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

In other words, the Spirit equips us not to elevate ourselves, but to serve others. He works through us to benefit the whole body of Christ. Wisdom, faith, healing, prophecy, tongues—all these gifts are given as He determines to strengthen His Church.

Here’s the key:

• They’re given to build up others, not to boost my ego.
• They’re not intended to be a ranking system—the Spirit decides who gets what.
• They don’t define me—my identity is already secure as a child of God.

 
Paul reminds us that the Church is like a body. Every part matters. Every gift has a purpose. When I treat my gift like a trophy (“Look what I’ve accomplished!”), I miss the point. A trophy sits on a shelf. But a tool? A tool is meant to be used. And when I confuse my identity with my gift, I not only misuse it, I risk wounding myself or others.

Have you ever tried hammering a nail with a trophy? It might look impressive, but it’s useless for the job—and you’ll probably break something in the process. In the same way, the Spirit’s gifts are tools, not trophies. They’re meant to be put to work in love.



Me-First or God-First?
Paul warns us about the danger of using gifts as proof of worth. If you have to constantly tell others what your calling or gifting is, that might be a sign your identity is misplaced.

• Orphan mentality: “Me first.” Perform for approval. Chase validation.
• Heir mentality: “God first.” Trust His plan. Serve with love.

Even religious activity can become a mask for performance. That’s why Paul redirects us: “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31).



The More Excellent Way: Love
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul reminds us:

• Without love, even the greatest gift is just noise.
• Without love, sacrifice profits us nothing.
• Without love, ministry becomes about us, not Him.

That’s why love is the greatest gift.

Faith, as 2 Corinthians 2:5-7 says, is what we live by now – but one day, it will give way to sight. Hope, as Romans 8:24-25 tells us, anchors us in what we do not yet see – but in eternity, that hope will be fully realized.

However, love never ends (1 Corinthians 13:8). It is the eternal heartbeat of God. Love is where the Spirit of sonship overcomes the spirit of an orphan. It doesn’t elevate self. It doesn’t need performance to prove anything. It flows from our identity as heirs and always points back to Jesus.



Putting It Into Practice
So what does this look like in everyday life?

• Use your gifts to serve others. (1 Peter 4:10) Don’t chase recognition—look for opportunities.
• Be available. Sometimes the Spirit’s manifestation isn’t in a spotlight moment but in a quiet act of service.
• Let love lead. Ask the Spirit to purify your motives so everything points back to Jesus.




Orlando and I went on a mission trip in 2010 to Malaysia to minister at a conference for missionaries. He was going to lead praise and worship. I was going simply because I was his wife...or so I thought. As the missionaries entered the hotel, I observed they were rather beat down – physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted and despondent. For some, it appeared they struggled to put one foot in front of the other. My heart broke. They were the hands and feet of Jesus to a lost and dying world, but many were lonely and felt like their home churches had forgotten about them. Some were based in very dangerous parts of the world and were obviously suffering from a bit of PTSD. Instead of questioning what I could possibly offer them, I rolled up my spiritual sleeves and got to work, asking the Holy Spirit to lead me and give me what I needed in the moment to minister to them. I sat with them and let them talk. I prayed with them. I encouraged them and thanked them for all they were doing. After three days, and several of us ministering to them, my observation of their departure was quite different. They had a renewed sense of purpose, along with joy and strength. What a privilege to be used by God in the gifts He had already placed in me!


This Is For All Who Believe
At the end of the day, my only identity is found in Jesus. As a child of God, filled with His Spirit, I’m motivated by love to use His gifts as tools to serve others and glorify God.

That’s the more excellent way!