Welcome to The Safe Space!

Paul paints one of the most powerful portraits of love ever written: love is patient and kind. It is not jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. It does not demand its own way, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love stands for truth, endures through hardship, never gives up, and never fails.

Spiritual gifts will one day pass away. Knowledge will fade. Prophecy will end. But love will last forever.

So let love be your highest goal. At the same time, desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the gift of prophecy. A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but the one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church. Paul wishes they could all speak in tongues, yet even more, he wishes they would prophesy, because prophecy builds up everyone.

If people speak in words no one can understand, their message is lost, like speaking into empty space. There are many languages in the world, and every language has meaning, but without understanding, speaker and listener remain strangers to one another. Because of this, those who speak in tongues should also pray for the ability to interpret, so the whole church may be strengthened.

Paul reminds them that while his own gift of tongues is great, he would rather speak five understandable words that help others than ten thousand words no one can understand. He urges them not to be childish in these matters, but mature. Tongues may be a sign for unbelievers, but prophecy is given for believers. When unbelievers hear only confusion, they may think the church is out of its mind. But when they hear words of truth and prophecy, their hearts are exposed, they are convicted, and they fall to their knees declaring, “God is truly here among you.”

In the end, Paul calls the church to worship with purpose and order. When they gather, one may sing, another may teach, another may share a revelation, one may speak in tongues, and another may interpret—but everything must strengthen everyone. Only a few should speak, one at a time, and every message should be weighed carefully. God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.

So Paul leaves them with this final charge: be eager to prophesy, do not forbid speaking in tongues, and make sure that everything is done properly and in order.

Verse of the Day:Luke 24:36, 49

And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

Action of the Day:

Thank God for being a keeper of promises!