Pursue Love, Desire Gifts

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1

I am playing catch up on my devotional journaling. The holidays, family, and the move have consumed my time and space. This scripture along with Bill Johnson’s commentary about how we must pursue the spiritual gifts but also must have character to carry them. He warns that neither should be exalted above the other;if you exalt gifts you get into works or if you exalt character, you see no power. Neither is the way God designed it. When I read this passage, I see both are to be pursued and desired. When we pursue love, it is the very character of God. When we desire the gifts, it is the power of God.

What is the difference between pursue and desire?

Pursue – Strong’s G1377 – diōkō – metaphorically, with the accusative of thing, to pursue i. e. to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire:

From Dictionary.com Pursue – verb (used with object),pur·sued, pur·su·ing.

1. to follow in order to overtake, capture, kill, etc.; chase.
2. to follow close upon; go with; attend:Bad luck pursued him.

3. to strive to gain; seek to attain or accomplish (an end, object, purpose, etc.).
4. to proceed in accordance with (a method, plan, etc.).
5. to carry on or continue (a course of action, a train of thought, an inquiry, studies, etc.).
6. to continue to annoy, afflict, or trouble.
7. to practice (an occupation, pastime, etc.).
8. to continue to discuss (a subject, topic, etc.).
9. to follow:They pursued the river to its source. I felt their eyes pursuing me.
10. to continue; go on with (one’s course, a journey, etc.).

Desire – Strong’s G2206 – zēloō – in a good sense, to imitate emulously, strive after:to be full of zeal for good, be zealous

From Dictionary.com – Desire – verb (used with object),de·sired,de·sir·ing.

1. to wish or long for; crave; want.
2. to express a wish to obtain; ask for; request:

The words are similar but one seems to be more active to strive, seek accomplish love. It takes work on our part to allow the character of God’s love to be expressed in our lives. Our desire for the spiritual gifts is more of a longing or request from us to God. We have to want the gifts enough to be able to use what God has already made available to us.

Good, I know that You have empowered me to attain Your love, to express it to those around me. I want to walk in Your love for others daily. I ask that You increase my desire for Your spiritual gifts. I pray that I would be readily available for Your use to express those gifts through me.