Spiritul

Spiritual gifts

The Holy Spirit of God was involved with people a total of 63 times recorded in the Scriptures. Only 3 times were TONGUES manifested. This is not a very good average for using it as a basis for a major doctrine of the Church, nor is it reasonable reason for rejecting the significance of the gift itself. At no time in Scripture was speaking in other tongues called "The baptism in the Holy Spirit."

Baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire was mentioned by John the Baptist when speaking of Jesus he said, "He will baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire in Matt 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, and John 1:33. Jesus said, "You will be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence" in Acts 1:5, and as quoted by Peter in Acts 11:16.

I believe we serve a sovereign God Who is able to do anything He wants to do at any time He chooses, with anyone He chooses to work with or through, or He can act sovereignly on His own. I believe that God actually allowed an ass to speak with a man’s voice and talk to her master Balaam. I believe that had the children not cried out praises when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey in what we call "The Triumphal Entry" the stones would have literally cried out.

OLD TESTAMENT RECORD

In the OLD TESTAMENT, the Holy Spirit of God moved on individuals sovereignly 31 times according to the Will of God. Some times it was given to fulfill prophecy.

HOW WAS IT SOUGHT?

Twice at the request of Moses.
Twice in response to prayers of the people of Israel for help from oppressors.
Once in response to the faith of Jephthah.
Once in response to the love of David.
All other times it was an act of the Sovereign Will of God with no one seeking anything.

WERE OTHERS INVOLVED?

Once when Moses laid hands on Joshua.
Three times when prophets and angels prophesied.
Once when Samuel anointed David at God’s command.
Once Israel and Jehoshaphat prayed for help.
All other times it was given as a sovereign act of God.

HOW WAS IT PERCEIVED?

Once Pharaoh perceived, by the interpretation of his dream, that the Spirit of God was in Joseph.
Three times God told Moses.
Once Moses told the Children of Israel.
Once David said, "The Spirit of God came upon me."
All other times it was just recorded as a fact.

HOW DID THE HOLY SPIRIT COME?

At creation the Spirit of God moved over the face of the waters.
Four times men were "filled" with the Spirit.
Once God "put" His Spirit upon them.
Once God "gave" His Spirit to the seventy Elders.
Eleven times the Spirit "Came upon" them.
Once the Spirit was upon them.
Once the Spirit of God "departed" from Saul.
Twice the Spirit of God "entered into" Ezekiel.
Three times the Spirit "lifted up" Ezekiel..
Twice the Spirit "fell upon" Ezekiel.
Once the Hand of the Lord "was upon" Ezekiel.

WHAT WERE THE MANIFESTATIONS?
Evidence of the presence and work of the Holy Spirit.

Once - The Heavens and Earth were created.
Once - Dreams were interpreted.
Three times - Special skills were imparted.
Nine times - Prophecies came forth.
Twice - Ability to judge and rule was given.
Once - Wisdom was given
Three times - Wars were won
Once - Supernatural strength was given
Six times - Ezekiel was transported
Twice - Ezekiel was lifted up and set upon his feet to hear as God spoke to him

Notice, No not once were tongues manifested.

WHO WERE THE RECIPIENTS?

Heavens and Earth, Joseph, all the wise hearted, Bezaleel and others, Moses and seventy elders, Balaam, Joshua, Othniel, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson twice, Saul three times, once departed from Saul, Saul's messenger once, David twice, Azariah, Jahaziel a Levite, Zechariah the priest, Ezekiel eight times.

NEW TESTAMENT RECORD

In the NEW TESTAMENT the Holy Spirit moved on people 31 times according to the Will of God.

HOW WAS IT SOUGHT?

One time - Mary believed message of the angel.
One time (mentioned) - Jesus obeyed God.
One time - believers prayed for boldness.
Twice - laying on of hands
The rest of the times it came as the sovereign will of God.

WERE OTHERS INVOLVED?

When the angel made his announcement to Mary and she conceived.
Three times - A voice from Heaven.
When John baptized Jesus.
When 120 people were in one accord in one place on the Day of Pentecost.
When Peter and John laid on their hands.
When Ananias laid his hands on Saul.
When Peter preached the gospel to Cornelius and household company.
When Paul laid his hands on the Ephesians who believed.

HOW WAS IT PERCEIVED?

Mary was found to be with child.
Four times recorded - Eye-witnesses saw dove.
Once - A known prophet.
Five times - Power and boldness.
On the Day of Pentecost - Wind-fire-tongues and under standing of tongues.
Once recorded - Great wonders and miracles by Stephen.
Once - Tongues and magnified God.
Once - Tongues and prophecy.
Four times - Personal testimony.
The rest of the times it was just recorded as a fact

HOW DID IT COME?

Came upon and overshadowed Mary.
Descended like a dove on Jesus (recorded four times).
Once - Came by the Spirit.
Twelve times - Filled with the Holy Ghost.
Twice - Came upon.
Pentecost - By wind and fire.
Things were done through the Holy Ghost.
Once - full of.
Once - received.
Twice - Transported.
Three times - in the Spirit.
And by the Spirit

WHAT WERE THE MANIFESTATIONS?
Evidence of the Presence and Work of the Holy Spirit.

Virgin conceived: Once
Jesus was led into the wilderness: Recorded three times,
Prophecy was manifested: six times,
Tongues were manifested: three times (each time the people were understood, either in their native tongue they understood them speaking of the wonderful works of God, or they magnified God, or they prophesied),
Preaching with boldness: eight times,
Command was issued: once,
Blindness healed: once,
Great miracles and wonders were performed: once,
People were transported: four times,
Sorcerer was blinded: once,
The Glory of God and Jesus at His right hand was seen as Heaven was opened: once,
The Lord was seen and revelation was received: once,

WHO WAS THE RECIPIENT?

Mary, Jesus, Elizabeth, Zacharias, Simeon, 120 in one place, Peter, company of believers, Stephen, people in Samaria, Philip, Paul, Cornelius and company, Agabus, disciples at Antioch of Pisidia, disciples at Ephesus, John the Revelator.

It is interesting that in recorded Scripture THERE IS NO MENTION OF BEING "FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT WITH THE INITIAL EVIDENCE OF SPEAKING IN UNKNOWN TONGUES." It is also interesting to notice that NEVER DID THE ONES RECEIVING MANIFESTATIONS OF THE SPIRIT ENGAGE IN ANY TYPE OF SPIRITUAL ACTIVITY TO SEEK THE INFILLING OF THE SPIRIT even though Paul instructed them to:

Earnestly desire the best gifts. 1 Cor 12:31
Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts, but preferably that you may prophecy. 1 Cor 14:1
Therefore brethren, covet to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. 1 Cor 14:39

I believe there are many in the Charismatic movement who are genuine, have had genuine experiences, and received genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit. However, there are many in the Charismatic movement and elsewhere in Pentecostal circles who are acting presumptuously, exercising gifts from spirits other than the Holy Spirit; acting in pride to impress others, speaking from their own spirit or the spirit of demons.

There are three spirits we can hear from: The Holy Spirit of God, Satan and his demon spirits, and our own human spirit. We need to be able to discern the difference.

In every aspect of Christian endeavor, you will find people who have a real honest walk with the Lord out of sincere love from knowing Him personally; those who use it as a social club; those who are curious about what they have heard; those who are there only because of someone else; those who are actually looking to cause trouble out of hatred; those who are self-righteous; those who are seriously seeking to know God; those who are pretending with a desire to impress others with their holiness; and those who are slaves to pride.

Wherever the Lord's people are working effectively, the enemy will come in with all the deception he can muster.

IN RELATION TO THE TIMES OF THE END

Three time periods when scriptures indicate that the Holy Spirit will be poured out and marvelous things will happen:

Before the Great Tribulation Period. Luke 21:12-15
During the Great Tribulation Period. Mark 13:11, Acts 2:17-18
After the Great Tribulation Period. Joel 2:28-29

SPIRITUAL GIFTS
What the Bible says regarding spiritual gifts

THE COMMAND OF CHRIST

Wait in Jerusalem until you be endued with POWER FROM ON HIGH Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-5
Be not drunk with wine in which is riot, but BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT in which is good. Ephesians 5:15-21

TO WHOM WAS IT PROMISED?

Them that believe the Gospel. Mark 16:14-18
The eleven and those that were with them. Luke 24:33
"He that believes on Me." John 14:12-14
The Apostles. Acts 1:1-8
You, your children, and to all that are far off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:38-39

CHURCH RECEIVES

Spirit poured out on the Day of Pentecost, 120 people received. Tongues and boldness, the multitude heard in each persons native language, understood speaking about the wonderful works of God. Acts 2:1-13
Peter explains the phenomenon to be the pouring out of the Holy Spirit as spoken of by Joel. Acts 2:14-40
Peter filled again, given boldness and words to answer the High Priest, rulers and scribes. Acts 4:8-12
Company of believers in Jerusalem pray for boldness to speak. "Filled with the Holy Spirit, they spoke the Word of God with boldness." Acts 4:23-31
The men chosen to serve tables from among the congregation were required to be full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. Acts 6:3-5
Stephen full of faith and power did great wonders and miracles Acts 6:8
Stephen boldly answered charges of the council, His face looked like the face of an angel. Acts 6:9-15
Stephen being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up into Heaven and saw the Glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Acts 7:55-56
In Samaria, Philip taught, multitudes gave heed to words signs, and miracles, were baptized in water, received the Holy Spirit when Peter and John prayed and laid their hands on them. Acts 8:5-17
The Spirit spoke to Philip. Acts 8:29
The Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip and took him to Azotus. Acts 8:39-40
Paul received the Holy Spirit when Ananias laid hands on him and said, Brother Saul, the lord Jesus that appeared to you on the way as you came, has sent me that you might receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul received boldness to preach Christ in the Synagogues in Damascus and Jerusalem (Ananias was not one of the Twelve). Acts 9:10-30
The Church at Jerusalem received comfort of the Holy Spirit. Acts 9:31
The Spirit spoke to Peter. Acts 10:19-20
Caesarea: Cornelius and his household heard Peter preach, the Holy Spirit fell on all, they spoke in tongues and magnified God, they were baptized in water. Acts 10:34-48
Peter reports that the Spirit told Him to go and not to doubt. Acts 11:12
Peter reports that the Holy Ghost fell on the Gentiles when he began to speak and he remembered that Jesus had said that John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Acts 11:15-16
Barnabas was a good man full of the Holy Ghost and faith. Acts 11:22-24
Agabus prophesied by the Spirit. Acts 11:27-28
The Holy Ghost spoke to the assembly at Antioch and commanded them to separate Barnabas and Saul for the work. Acts 13:2-4
Paul, filled with the Holy Ghost spoke and Elymas the sorcerer was blinded. Acts 13:6-11
At Antioch in Pisidia, the disciples were filled with Joy, and with the Holy Ghost. Acts 13:52
Peter reminded the Apostles and Elders of the Church at Jerusalem that God had given the Holy Ghost to the Gentiles the same as He had to them. (referring to his experience at the home of Cornelius) Acts 15:8
In the letter to the Gentiles at Antioch of Syria and Cilicia, The Apostles and Elders of Jerusalem said, It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us. Acts 15:28
The Holy Ghost forbid Paul, Silas, and Timotheus to preach the Word in Asia and did not allow them to go into Bithynia. Acts 16:6
Ephesus: Apollos disciples (baptized to John's baptism) when taught about Jesus by Paul, were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus and received the Holy Spirit when Paul laid his hands on them. `Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' Suggests that they were expected to receive the Holy Spirit at the time of belief. Acts 19:1-7
Paul was bound in the spirit to go to Jerusalem, the Holy Ghost witnessed to Paul in every city that bonds and afflictions awaited him. Acts 20:22-23
Paul reminded the Elders of the Church at Ephesus that the Holy Ghost had made them overseers to the flock of God. Acts 20:28
Paul was warned by the disciples, who spoke through the Spirit at Tyre, against going to Jerusalem. Acts 21:4
At Caesarea in the house of Philip the evangelist, who had four virgin daughters who prophesy, a Prophet named Agabus prophesying by the Holy Ghost, came and warned Paul that Paul would be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles. Acts 21:8-11

The Holy Spirit was given to Jews and Gentiles alike wherever the Gospel of Jesus was proclaimed. Sovereignly by God, moving as He chose; sometimes before any preaching had been done, no one seeking any gift of any kind, sometimes after the believers had been baptized and Apostles laid hands on them. Other times it was after prayers for boldness to speak; or after Apostles prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. No pattern of seeking of any kind is revealed, nor is there a fixed pattern of manifestation.

People filled with the Holy Ghost or full of the Holy Ghost, were empowered with BOLDNESS to preach in the face of intense opposition, saw visions, received prophecies, were instructed, were restricted, spoke in tongues, worked miracles, performed great signs and wonders, people of all languages heard in their native languages as Galileans spoke in tongues.

Speaking with bold confidence was more prevalent than any other sign and it was boldness that the Christians prayed for. Acts 4:29

PERSONALITY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The flesh and the Spirit are at enmity with one another.

PURPOSE OF GIFTS

To confirm God's Word by signs, wonders, manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own Will . Heb 2:1-4
For the perfecting of the Saints to the work of ministering, to the building up of the Body of Christ. Eph 4:12-16
That the body of Christ may profit by them . 1 Cor 12:1-7

TONGUES

Speaks to God, not to men. 1 Cor 14:2, Romans 8:26-27
Edifies the individual (the Church if interpreted) 1 Cor 14:4
The Spirit prays but the understanding is unproductive. 1 Cor 14:14, Romans 8:26-27
Sign to the unbelieving (if in their native language). 1 Cor 14:22

PROPHECY

Speaks to men, edification, exhortation, and consolation. 1 Cor 14:3
A sign to those who believe. 1 Cor 14:22
The unbeliever or unlearned is reproved and judged. 1 Cor 14:24
The unbeliever or unlearned is converted. 1 Cor 14:25
All may learn and all may be exhorted. 1 Cor 14:31

BODY OF CHRIST

TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT is our physical bodies. 1 Cor 6:19
DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS, (ONE SPIRIT) 1 Cor 12:4
DIVERSITIES OF MINISTRATIONS, (ONE LORD) 1 Cor 12:5
DIVERSITIES OF WORKINGS (ONE GOD) 1 Cor 12:6
SINGLE PURPOSE - ALL THE GIFTS, MINISTRATIONS, AND WORKINGS OF THE SPIRIT ARE GIVEN THAT THE BODY OF CHRIST MAY PROFIT BY THEM. 1 Cor 12:1-7

DIVERSITIES OF GIFTS

We, being many members, are one body in Christ. Each member has GIFTS differing according to the grace that was given to us: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhorting, giving, ruling, showing mercy. Rom 12:1-8
Word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues. ALL THESE ARE GIVEN BY THE SAME SPIRIT DIVIDING TO EACH PERSON AS HE CHOOSES. 1 Cor 12:8-11
Workers of miracles, healings, helps, governments, kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues. 1 Cor 12:28
Diversity in distribution of gifts, offices, and ministrations is stressed. 1 Cor 12:27-30
PAUL COMMANDS US TO EARNESTLY DESIRE THE BEST GIFTS. 1 Cor 12:31

DIVERSITIES OF OFFICES:

Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. Eph 4:1-16
Apostles, prophets, teachers, 1 Cor 12:28-29

ATTITUDE TOWARD GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT AND THEIR APPLICATION

LOVE TOWARD GOD, that in all things God may be glorified. 1 Peter 4:7-11
LOVE WITHOUT HYPOCRISY. Rom 12:9-21
EARNESTLY DESIRE THE GREATER GIFTS. 1 Cor 12:31
LET LOVE RULE OVER USE OF ALL GIFTS. 1 Cor 13:1-13
FOLLOW AFTER LOVE, YET EARNESTLY DESIRE SPIRITUAL GIFTS, ESPECIALLY PROPHECY. 1 Cor 14:1
Paul wished that everyone could speak with tongues but even more that all could prophesy, and that the tongues might be interpreted so the Church could be edified. 1 Cor 14:5
Realize that no voice is without significance. 1 Cor 14:10
SEEK TO ABOUND TOWARD EDIFYING OF THE CHURCH. 1 Cor 14:12
Paul said that he will pray and sing, both in the Spirit and with the understanding also, (indicating that if he is praying or singing in the Spirit, he does not understand it). If you bless in the Spirit, though you do it well, yet another is not edified. 1 Cor 14:15-17
Paul is pleased to have the gift of tongues, yet prefers to speak understandably, so others might be instructed. 1 Cor 14:18
Let all things be done for the edification of the Church. 1 Cor 14:26-33
Earnestly desire to prophesy, but do not forbid to speak in tongues. 1 Cor 14:39
Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Cor 14:40

APPLICATION OF GIFTS

The entire ministry of Christ was in the power of the Holy Spirit, His teachings and His miracles. Luke 4:14
Paul's life was an example of yielding to the Holy Spirit in word, deed, power of signs and wonders. Rom 15:13-19
The Holy Spirit strengthens one in faith, love, and knowledge of the love of Christ. Eph 3:14-21
We are called to walk worthily, giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit. Eph 4:1-3
The Holy Spirit provides Christian growth in truth, love, and understanding of the love of Christ. Eph 4:14-19
Walk by the Spirit and you will not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Gal 5:16
You who are spiritual, restore the errant in a spirit of gentleness, bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Gal 6:1-10
Filled with the Spirit, speak the Word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31

DISCERNING OF SPIRITS

Jesus said, By their fruits you shall know them. Matt 7:15-23
The FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self control. Gal 5:22-25
Paul said, `Be filled with the Spirit, speaking in Psalms and Hymns, and Spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord. Give thanks always for all things in the Name of Jesus. Subject yourselves to one another in the fear of the Lord.' Ephesians 5:18-21

WARNINGS OF SCRIPTURE

Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN. Matt 12:22-37, Mark 3:20-30

CONCLUSION

There is no scripture that suggests that there will be an end to the work or gifts of the Holy Spirit. The only exception is the text which has often been used in error to say that the gifts of the Spirit are not for us today:

"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they shall fail; where there are tongues, they shall cease; where there is knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But WHEN THAT WHICH IS PERFECT HAS COME, then that which is in part shall be done away."
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But when I became a man, I put away childish things."
"For now we see through a glass darkly, but then, face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know even as also I am known."
"Now abides faith, hope, and love, these three. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor 13:8-13

Those who hold the view that the gifts of the Spirit are not for today, usually insist that the statement saying "THAT WHICH IS PERFECT" refers to the Bible that we call the Word of God. They say when these sixty six books were assembled together was when `that which is perfect' had come. They argue that the Word of God is perfect, so when the Word of God came in the form of our Bible, that which is perfect had come. To hold such a view, they have to ignore the evidences and results of the coming of `that which is perfect,' Namely:

We will see God, or the Word of God, face to face.
We will know as completely as God now knows us, having full understanding and knowledge. 1 Cor 13:12
Because they do not believe that Jesus will literally return to this earth and reign for a thousand years of perfect government when the curse will be removed and Satan locked away. They do not believe there will be a time called the Kingdom of God, when we will see the King face to face. A time of universal peace when the wolf will dwell with a lamb. The leopard will lie down with the young goat. The calf, the young lion, and the fatling shall lie down together, and a little child will lead them. The cow and the bear shall feed together, their young ones shall lie down together. A time when the lion will eat grass like an ox. When a little child will play in the den of a viper and not get hurt. A time when nothing will hurt or destroy in all God's holy mountain. For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord like the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:6-9, 65:18-25, 2:4

Because they do not believe this scripture will happen literally, they cannot believe that, at that time, "THAT WHICH IS PERFECT" will indeed have come, there will be no need for prophecy or speaking with other tongues for the knowledge we hold today will pass away being replaced by full understanding according to 1 Cor 13:12. Then we will indeed see our KING face to face as described in the following Scriptures:

Job 19:25-27, Rev 3:21, 3:4-5, Matt 8:10-12, Luke 13:28-30, Zech 2:10-13; 14:9, 1 Tim 6:13-16, Micah 4:1-8; 7:16-20, Dan 7:13-14, Jer 31:33-34, Hab 2:14, Isa 1:26,27; 2:1-5; 29:13-24; 60:3, Heb 10:16, etc

Let us not be swayed by unbelievers, but let us accept what God has said and believe it. Let us seek to understand God, rather than fall into interpreting scriptures to suit our preconceived ideas.

I believe that to receive the Holy Spirit, we must accept Him with all the gifts He brings. The Gifts are as much a part of the person of the Holy Spirit, as salvation and redemption are a part of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord.

We must allow the Holy Spirit His sovereign right to impart those gifts as He sees fit to distribute them. We must not quench the Spirit. We must not pretend to have some gift He has not given. We must not speak when He has not spoken.

I believe the Holy Spirit has the same power today as He had two thousand years ago, and that He is able to manifest Himself in any way He desires. He is a God of order, not of confusion. He has not changed, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Many in the Charismatic movement are true servants of God with a genuine relationship with our God. Many are pretenders. Our job is not to sit in judgment on others except where we see them deceiving those with whom we have influence. We are to walk as close and true to God as we are able by the measure of grace He has given to each of us.

It is my desire that all God's children could come into a unity of faith and understanding based on what God has said in His word and get away from divisions caused by teachings that spring from the traditions of men.

I desire to see us grow to the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. That we be no longer children tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind of doctrine by the deceitfulness of men, and the cunning craftiness by which they lay in wait to deceive.

But speaking the truth in love, let us grow up in all things, in Him Who is the head, even in Christ. From Christ the whole body is joined and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectiveness of the measure of working which every part contributes toward the increase of the body to the edification of itself in love. Eph 4:12-16

In other words, my heart desire is that the body of Christ, as individual members, learn to turn to God's Word and believe it as it is written, so we could stop looking for faults in others and begin to work together for the common goal of reaching a dying world while we still have time.

I love our Charismatic brothers and our noncharismatic brothers. God has given more than the gift of tongues. Let us each one, find the gift God has given us, and put it to effective use in harmony with the gifts God has given our neighbor. Let us not hold pride, resentment, or envy for what God has done in someone else's life. Let us rejoice in the other's gift and encourage him to use it in love effectively.

The Lord is coming soon, let us work together to seek and save the lost. Let us love one another without pretense in truth from the heart, with kindness, patience, charity, respect, honor, consideration, compassion, faithfulness, blessing, unity, and peace according to Romans 12:9-21, 13:8-10, 1 Cor 8:1-13, 13:1-7, Phil 1:9-11, Col 3:10-17, 1 Tim 1:5, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 4:8-11, 1 John 2:3-6, 3:16-18, Jude 1:20-23 and all other scriptures that show how to love.

May the Lord bless you as you seek the truth of His word with a pure heart and eagerly seek the best gifts, focusing on LOVE.