Earnestly desire the greater gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:31-13:1, But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

We go through life and have various passions, most of them temporal, our true love, a sport or hobby or vocation. All of these things have some temporary benefit. Our pastor challenged us in our men’s study to have a passion for Christ as we see in Psalm 42. Most of us have never been thirsty enough to pant, “As the deer panteth for the water.” In fact, most of us have never been deprived of anything— the closest I can imagine is trying to swim the length of a pool whilst holding my breath! When I have to come up for air, I’m definitely panting. Have I ever sought after the Lord like this? And even if I do, is it done with love?

What kind of love is it that You have for us, a love that demands nothing and sacrifices everything?