Seeking Jesus First July 17, 2025
Desire Spiritual Gifts
“Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.” (1 Corinthians 14:1–5, NKJV)
“Pursue” and “Desire” are the same word in the Greek language. Pursue love and pursue spiritual gifts. Prophesying is the spiritual gifts which is most beneficial in a corporate setting. Prophesying edifies all who are present. Speaking in an unknown tongue followed by the interpretation in the known language is equivalent to prophesying because it edifies all who are present. Prophesying speaks edification, exhortation and comfort to those who are listening.
The inability to understand the unknown tongue without an interpretation limits is benefit to just the one who is praying in tongues. Praying in tongues is a spiritual gift that benefits the person who is praying even though this person does not know what he is praying. The benefits include increased faith, increased spiritual strength, increased communion with Holy Spirit, and the good, perfect and acceptable will of God is being prayed from your inner man by Holy Spirit to the Father.
Here is a spiritual truth: Any time Scripture tells us to pursue or to seek anything, we are authorized to obtain or to find that thing. The Word of God is the authority, and Holy Spirit is the power to do it. The faith to do it comes by hearing the word. We simply add our will and our effort.
If you are waiting for a green light, there is no need to wait any longer. Pursue love and spiritual gifts and start being a blessing to others and to yourself.