Spiritual gifts are one of the most debated topics in the church, but 1 Corinthians 14 cuts through the noise with clarity and purpose. The Holy Spirit wants to give gifts to every believer so that the body of Christ is built up and the glory of God is on display. Speaking in tongues is a Spirit-stirred expression of deep longing toward God, while prophecy is simply speaking into a situation on God's behalf, and both are available to ordinary people. Paul gives five direct commands in this passage: pursue love, grow in desire for spiritual things, aim to excel in gifts that build up the church, pray that your gift benefits others, and stop being childish in your thinking. The goal of every spiritual gift is never a personal experience alone. It is always the edification of others. Cooperating with the Holy Spirit starts with two simple questions: what does God want to do in me, and what does He want to do through me for others?
