What gift should Christians most desire according to the Bible?
The gift believers should most desire is speaking the Word of God. It is the number one criterion, because one who speaks forth God’s Word speaks to men for edification, lifting up, support, exhortation, encouragement, and comfort. This gift enables believers to strengthen and console hurting people by proclaiming God’s Word.
Les explains that the gift believers should really long for is the gift of speaking the Word of God, and he calls it the number one criterion. He points back to verse 3, where one who speaks forth the Word of God speaks unto men for edification, to lift them up, support them, exhort them, encourage them, and comfort them. Les notes that we live in an old world under the curse where many people are hurting, and the best way to comfort them is by proclaiming the Word of God.
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.