What spiritual gift should believers most earnestly desire according to the Bible?
Scripture indicates the spiritual gift believers should most earnestly desire is speaking the Word of God. It is the number one criterion, because the one who speaks forth God's Word speaks unto men for edification, to lift them up, support them, exhort them, encourage them, and comfort them.
Les explains that the gift they should really long for is speaking the Word of God, and he calls it the number one criterion. Then in verse 3 the text reemphasizes that the one who speaks forth the Word of God speaks unto men for edification, to lift them up, to support them, to exhort them, to encourage them, and to comfort them. Les points out that we are in this old world under the curse, and many people are hurting. The best way to comfort them is by proclaiming the Word of God to them.