The Foundation is Love
ICS Daily Devotions

1 Corinthians 13:1-2 (NKJV) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

‭‭Faithful stewardship reflects our lifestyle of love for God and our neighbours. We cannot claim to love God while harbouring hatred towards our neighbours or refusing to share the burdens of our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we love God and others, our love should be evident in our actions rather than merely in our words. Words without actions are empty. Everything we do for God and others must stem from love. When we love God, we will serve Him and those around us using the gifts He has given us. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John‬ ‭3:16).‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

There is a risk of self-glorification when we operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit rather than honour God with these gifts that He has given us. God can use anyone to administer these gifts when the Holy Spirit wants to minister to people. We are simply channels or conduits of God’s power, wisdom, and abilities—the source is always Him. Therefore, we should remain humble before Him. There is also a danger of pride when we operate in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially when we are puffed up by knowledge. Therefore, we must establish a foundation of ministering out of love for God and others.
God, in His wisdom, has distributed His gifts throughout the entire body of Christ so that no one person possesses them all. We were never meant to live in isolation. God designed us to depend on one another—not only on Him—and we fail to steward His gifts well when we choose online church over gathering with a local church or a small group. These gifts were given to us to minister to one another and to the world, but how can we show genuine love and compassion unless we listen to people and share life with them?

Have you ever wondered why God speaks about love in 1 Corinthians chapter 13, between chapters 12 and 14, where He talks about the gifts of the Holy Spirit? The gifts of the Holy Spirit are activated by love—the love of God and our love for others. Therefore, we need to allow God’s love to flow through us, so the gifts can operate effectively as channels of His blessing.

Reflection: How can we remain humble and guard our hearts from pride when using the gifts—spiritual or administrative—that God has given us?

Sermon: Stewardship is Established in Love