Sacred Seconds: 1 Corinthians 12:31 (KJV)

1 Corinthians 12:31 says, "But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." In this verse, Paul encourages believers to desire the spiritual gifts that are most beneficial for the church, such as prophecy, teaching, and healing. However, he emphasizes that there is an even greater path, which he introduces in the next chapter: the way of love. Love surpasses all spiritual gifts and is the foundation for using these gifts to build up the church.

Seek to develop your gifts, whether spiritual or natural, while always prioritizing love, and ensure your actions serve others and glorify God.

1 Corinthians 13: The entire chapter elaborates on the "more excellent way" of love, describing its attributes and superiority over all spiritual gifts.

Romans 12:6-8: These verses discuss the various spiritual gifts and the importance of using them according to the grace given to each person, emphasizing their use in building up the church.

Ephesians 4:11-13: This passage talks about different roles and gifts in the church and their purpose in equipping the saints for ministry and building up the body of Christ.