What does it mean that we should eagerly desire the greater gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31)?

After teaching extensively on spiritual gifts and their function in the church (1 Corinthians 12), the apostle Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to “eagerly desire the greater gifts” (verse 31). In this chapter, Paul emphasizes the importance of unity expressed through the variety and diversity of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ. God works in different ways through each member of His body, but it is the “same Spirit” (verse 4), the “same Lord” (verse 5), and “the same God” (verse 6) who supplies the gifts.

Paul outlines several spiritual gifts distributed by the Holy Spirit, stressing that these gifts are given “to each of us so we can help each other” (1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT) or for the common good and mutual benefit of the church. Using the human body as a metaphor (see 1 Corinthians 12:12–31), Paul illustrates how each believer, with his or her own unique gift, contributes to the general well-being and functioning of the church. Each works together as mutually interdependent parts, joining collectively to operate as a unified, integrated whole.

Paul lists a variety of spiritual gifts (see 1 Corinthians 12:7–11), including the message of wisdom, the message of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. He explains that all of the gifts originate from “one and the same Spirit” (verse 11) and are intended to work together harmoniously to encourage and build up the body of Christ. Later, Paul states, “Everything must be done so that the church may be built up” (1 Corinthians 14:26).

Paul brings up specific gifts again in 1 Corinthians 12:28–30, including the gift of teaching, prophecy, miracles, healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues. While all the gifts are valuable and necessary, some have a more significant and immediate impact on building up the entire body of Christ. One example Paul prioritizes is prophecy (see 1 Corinthians 14:1). We should eagerly desire gifts that will directly contribute to the spiritual growth and development of the whole church. The Corinthians were focused on the gift of tongues, but without the gift of interpretation, that gift would not benefit anyone (see 1 Corinthians 14:1–25).

In the original language, the word translated as “eagerly desire” implies a zealous, passionate, earnest longing. Paul taught believers to strongly aspire to these greater gifts, not for personal glory or spiritual status, but for the benefit of the entire church. Paul followed with, “And yet I will show you the most excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31). The “most excellent way” is the way of love. From here, Paul moves into 1 Corinthians 13, his famous “love chapter.” His talk of pursuing the greater gifts was a segue into the topic of the greatest gift, love. No matter how spectacular or impressive our spiritual gifts might be, they are meaningless without love. Love is the greatest gift of God’s Spirit and the foundation on which all other gifts must be built. When our gifts are exercised in love, they are done with the right motive and attitude.

In 1 Corinthians 13: 1–3, Paul says love is indispensable. Without it, we have nothing. Next, in 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, Paul describes the nature and characteristics of love: it is patient, kind, not jealous or boastful, not proud or rude, not self-seeking or easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love rejoices with the truth and always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Love lasts forever. By positioning this discussion immediately after his instruction to eagerly desire the greater gifts, Paul makes clear that love must undergird and rule over the use of all spiritual gifts.

As brothers and sisters united in one body, we must passionately pursue the greater gifts with a heart of love and a desire to serve others. Paul’s precept aligns with Christ’s teaching that the greatest commandments are to love God and our neighbor (Matthew 22:37–40). Spiritual gifts are not for self-promotion or individual gain but to serve, edify, and build the church. God wants us to eagerly desire the greater gifts to make the most significant impact toward helping the church grow and mature. Our earnest longing for spiritual gifts must be rooted in love and a commitment to serving others selflessly. As we do this, we contribute to the unity and strength of the body of Christ, fulfill our God-given purpose, and bring glory and honor to the Lord.