In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul discusses spiritual gifts and how they are given by God for the common good of the church. He emphasizes unity within diversity, as all the parts of the body work together despite their differences. At the end of the chapter, Paul says “And yet I will show you the most excellent way” (1 Cor 12:31 ESV). This introduces chapter 13 on love.
So what is this “more excellent way” that Paul refers to? Based on the context, it seems clear he is pointing to love as a still more excellent way to pursue than spiritual gifts. Even in our zeal for spiritual gifts, we are to eagerly desire and follow the way of love. As Paul will go on to describe in chapter 13, love is greater and more important than any of the gifts. Without love, the gifts are meaningless.
Chapter 13 provides a beautiful description of what true, Christ-like love is. Love is patient, kind, not boastful or proud, not rude or self-seeking, slow to anger, protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres (1 Cor 13:4-7). This agape love originates from God and is empowered by the Spirit. It’s not simply a feeling, but an intentional way of treating others.
So the “more excellent way” is the way of love, the way of Christ, who embodied perfect love. This way of love is to be pursued within the body of Christ above all else. Even spiritual gifts are meaningless without it. As Paul says, “if I have not love, I am nothing” (1 Cor 13:2). Our giftings and abilities are important, but love is supreme.
This way of love was exemplified by Jesus, who laid down His rights and privileges out of love for us (Phil 2:5-8). He calls us to follow Him by taking up our cross, serving one another, and laying down our lives for one another (Mark 8:34-35, John 15:12-13). This is the more excellent way – the way of self-sacrificial, others-focused, Christ-like love.
What are some key things the way of love involves?
- Seeking unity and harmony rather than division (1 Cor 13:4-7)
- Bearing with one another in patience and humility (Eph 4:2)
- Being kind, compassionate and forgiving (Eph 4:32)
- Laying down rights and selfishness (Phil 2:3-4)
- Speaking truth in love, not condemnation (Eph 4:15)
- Serving one another and building others up (Gal 5:13)
- Being patient, avoiding pride and selfish ambition (1 Cor 13:4-5)
- Rejoicing in truth, protecting, trusting, hoping, persevering (1 Cor 13:6-7)
This way of love can only be lived out with God’s supernatural enabling. We depend on the Spirit to produce His love in and through us (Gal 5:22-23). It goes against our natural tendencies towards selfishness and disunity. We reflect Christ through loving like Him.
In summary, the “more excellent way” Paul describes is the way of Christ-like, Spirit-empowered love. This was demonstrated by Jesus and is to be pursued within the body of Christ above all else. Even spiritual gifts must be exercised in love to have true value and reflect God’s glory. Our witness to the world depends on our following this more excellent way of love.
Here are some additional key points about the more excellent way of love:
- It is rooted in God’s nature as Love and modeled by Christ (1 John 4:7-12)
- It fulfills the greatest commandments – to love God and others (Mark 12:28-31)
- It promotes unity, harmony, patience, kindness, compassion (Col 3:12-14)
- It edifies others rather than self-promotion (1 Cor 13:4-5)
- It requires death to self-interest and self-focus (Luke 9:23)
- It is empowered by the Spirit, not mere human effort (Gal 5:22-23)
- It is the glue that holds the body of Christ together in maturity (Eph 4:15-16)
- It is the distinguishing mark of Jesus’ disciples (John 13:34-35)
- It is eternal, remaining when gifts pass away (1 Cor 13:8-13)
As Christians, we are all called to walk this more excellent way of love every day. It is a high calling, possible only through the Spirit’s enablement. Our witness is damaged when love is lacking. If we want to build up the church and reach the world for Christ, we must eagerly follow the more excellent way of love.
Walking in this way is challenging because it goes against human nature. Here are some practical tips for pursuing the more excellent way of love in the body of Christ:
- Begin each day asking God to fill you with His supernatural love (Rom 5:5)
- Think of at least one specific way you can show love to someone
- Be quick to forgive offenses and let go of grievances (Eph 4:32)
- Seek to truly listen and understand others without judgment (Prov 18:13)
- Consider others’ interests and needs as more important (Phil 2:3-4)
- Offer words of grace and encouragement (Eph 4:29)
- Look for ways to humbly serve without expectation (Mark 10:45)
- Pray for unity and resist divisiveness (Eph 4:3)
- Celebrate and thank God for others’ gifts and blessings (1 Cor 12:4-26)
- Confess selfish motives and actions that hurt others (1 John 1:9)
Walking in love is a daily choice to live for Christ and others through the Spirit’s power. Though challenging, it is the “more excellent way” that fulfills God’s purposes, builds up the church, and advances the Gospel witness.
The way of love is difficult because it requires dying to self. Here are some additional tips for overcoming obstacles:
- Spend time meditating on Christ’s love and sacrifice (1 John 3:16)
- When offended, ask God to help you forgive (Col 3:13)
- In conflict, focus on peace and mutual understanding (Matt 5:9)
- Give people the benefit of the doubt and resist judgment (1 Cor 13:7)
- When frustrated, pause to pray before responding (James 1:19-20)
- Acknowledge pride and defensiveness and repent (1 John 1:9)
- Ask God to reveal self-centered motives (Psalm 139:23-24)
- Explore personal triggers for impatience, anger, envy (Gal 5:26)
- Fast and pray for God’s love to overcome stubborn areas (Mark 9:29)
- Memorize Scripture passages about love (1 Cor 13; 1 John 4:7-12)
There is no limit to growing in God’s love. Depending on the Spirit through prayer and immersing ourselves in Scripture will nurture love in the face of obstacles. The more excellent way of love is worth the work of a lifetime.
In pursuing the more excellent way of love:
- Remember it is a journey. Don’t be discouraged by failures (Phil 1:6)
- When you stumble, seek forgiveness and get back up (1 John 1:9)
- Attempt things beyond your comfort zone with God’s help (2 Cor 12:9-10)
- Imitate mature believers who model Christ-like love well (1 Cor 11:1)
- Trust that God is continually conforming you to Christ’s image (Rom 8:29)
- Look back periodically to see how God has grown you in love (1 Thess 1:3)
- Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the perfect model of self-giving love (Heb 12:2-3)
- Pray for each other’s growth in love within the body of Christ (1 Thess 3:12)
- Let love, not perfectionism, motivate you to press onward (2 Cor 5:14)
The more excellent way of love is a lifelong adventure. God delights to produce His love in us more and more, if we will yield to Him. The Holy Spirit enables us to love as we never could in our own strength. May we eagerly pursue this more excellent way for the glory of God and the building up of His body.