Message Minute (Leveraging with Love)

Beyond merely using our spiritual gifts lies the opportunity to leverage them—to maximize their impact through love. Paul tells us there's a "way of life that is best of all" when it comes to operating in our gifts. That way is love. Surprisingly, it's possible to use our spiritual gifts yet gain nothing eternal. The differentiating factor is whether love motivates and shapes how we serve. Without love, even the most impressive spiritual gifts become nothing more than noise. What does leveraging gifts with love look like? It means using your gift not just to glorify God but to empower others to use their gifts too. It means serving from a place of genuine care for people's well-being rather than duty or obligation. Love transforms our methods—the evangelist shares the gospel not just to convert but to connect people with Jesus who loves them deeply. Love is patient and kind. It doesn't envy others' gifts or boast about its own. It isn't self-seeking but rejoices in building others up. When our gifts operate through this kind of love, their impact multiplies exponentially. Today, ask yourself: "Am I using my gifts with authentic love for others, or am I just going through spiritual motions?"

Verse: "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." - 1 Corinthians 13:1

Reflection Question: How would serving with greater love change the way you use your spiritual gifts?

Prayer: Jesus, teach me to serve with the same love You demonstrated on the cross. May love, not duty or recognition, be the motivation behind every way I use my gifts. Help me leverage what You've given me to amplify Your glory and build Your church. Amen.