Your gifts, Paul told the Corinthians, are unique and wonderful. What’s more, it is important to develop your gifts and use them. But Paul also reminded his readers that their gifts were not tools to outdo others in a quest for human power or glory. Be who God made you to be, and work together for God in heaven’s spirit of love.

• In the first part of today’s passage, Paul asked several questions that all assumed the answer, “No.” In various ways he asked, “Are we all gifted in the exact same ways?” Paul said “you are the body of Christ” collectively, but you are also “individually members of it.” Reflect on what makes you unique. What are your unique interests, talents and passions? What are some ways in which your uniqueness can join God’s mission, and equip you to work with God for the good of others?
• Paul believed each person has unique gifts. Yet after teaching about that, he boldly said in verse 31, “… I am going to show you an even better way.” Then he said clearly that nothing matters in God’s eyes (not even faith!) if you don’t have love. What matters most is love, not gifts, good deeds, power or knowledge. God means you to use your gifts based on love, not on selfish interests. Is love the main driving force in how you use your gifts, or some other motivation?