Is the gift of prophecy better than other spiritual gifts?
The gift of prophecy is presented as far better than some other spiritual gifts. The Corinthians were admonished to look for it, indicating its greater value among the gifts. However, the context also emphasizes that love and patience must accompany its use.
Les explains that Paul admonishes the Corinthians to look for the gift of prophecy because it was far better than some of the other spiritual gifts. Yet the entire passage stresses that any gift, including prophecy, must be exercised with love, patience, and understanding. Les illustrates this with a letter from a Minnesota lady who said that although she disagreed with some things, he never offended her with his teaching. This mirrors Paul's goal of coming in the spirit of love, not compromising truth but avoiding offense.