Gifts of the Spirit-Love=Nothing

Apart from the context of Christian Love even the most extravagant display of linguistic powers that are earthly, or heavenly, will produce nothing of any value.  The Gifts that Paul Speaks about in 1 Corinthians 13, itself is not likened to noise of a long gong, it is the person who operates them without love.  Paul was saying the Gifts of the Spirit are not for display but rather it is for the edification of others.

1 Corinthians 13:2 Paul said; “If I have prophetic powers and do not have love, I am nothing.”  He didn’t say that I produce nothing, he said, I am “no” “thing”.  The issue at hand is not the value of the gifts for in chapter 12 and 14 he talks about their value.  Paul is not making a value judgment on these Gifts, he is talking about the value of the people who exercise these Gifts without love.   Paul’s focus was upon this fact; “without love, I am nothing”.   We could summarize as follows, apart from the context of Christian love, even the most inspired proclaiming individual of divine truth is spiritually deficient.

“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, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

1 Co 13:2

Notice Paul uses this hypothetical person, with the combination of gift and resource.  Paul uses himself as this hypothetical person as an example.  He says, without love I am nothing. 

Now you must come to the understanding that there is a radical difference between the gifts of the spirit and of the fruit of the spirit.  The Fruit of the Spirit produces the central character of love.  Whereas, the Gifts can be exercised in rank carnality.  That is no doubt why Jesus said; “There will be those who will say did we not cast out devils in your name.” and he will say depart from me, I never knew you.  Over against everything else we must be filled with love.  The Gifts of the Spirit minus love equals nothing.