Genuine Love

The use of charismata, spiritual gifts, in the Corinthian church appears to have caused as much trouble as good. Why else would the apostle Paul spend so much time instructing members as to their proper use? Why else would he feel the need to assert the primacy of love over charismata? While we are regenerated by the Spirit, and endowed by the Spirit, we also are being transformed by the Spirit. But when this last is lacking in maturity the possibility of the second being poorly managed is all too evident. Hence, the call for love above all else (1 Corinthians 13). For the gifts to flourish in a way that will bring glory to God, an atmosphere of love must pervade our fellowships. And the kind of love that Paul calls us to is “genuine” love, love that is “without hypocrisy.”