It’s interesting that many people think they need to grow in spiritual “power” to do impressive things with their creativity and gifts. But the truth is, power alone doesn’t fulfill purpose. To use God’s gifts in the way He intends, we need love above all. Love is what shapes and fuels our gifts, giving them meaning and purpose. An understanding of the bible shows us that of wisdom, power, and love, love is the greatest and most important. This may seem surprising, even counterintuitive, but love is the true foundation of a life that brings lasting impact.
Love isn’t just a nice addition to our lives—it’s the very heart of who God is and what He calls us to reflect. As 1 John 4:7-8 teaches us, “Love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” When we operate from love, we’re acting out of our relationship with Him, bringing His nature into the world. In contrast, knowledge and power, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 8:1, can “puff up” and make us prideful, but love “builds up.” True strength, then, isn’t in impressive feats or knowledge but in a heart that loves like God.
When creativity and spiritual gifts are rooted in love, they become tools to genuinely serve others and uplift those around us. Without love, however, even the most impressive gifts can turn inward, leading to self-centeredness and eventually, pride. Love keeps our intentions pure and our hearts focused on God’s purpose. If you’re finding it hard to tap into creativity or fully use your gifts, it may be time to take a closer look at your love life. True, lasting impact flows from a heart anchored in biblical love—the kind that reflects God’s own heart for others.
