“Love, Leadership, and Spiritual Gifts”

In this episode, brothers Matt and Randy Kutz explore how biblical love shapes both leadership and the use of spiritual gifts. Drawing on 1 Corinthians 13–14, Psalm 139, and insights from David’s life, they discuss why emotional health and self-awareness are crucial for any believer who desires to lead and serve effectively. They emphasize that true power in spiritual gifts is only fully realized when it is anchored in the love of God—and that growing in grace means learning to manage our feelings, prefer others, and stay grounded in God’s character.

1. Love as the Starting Point

   • Scripture Basis: 1 Corinthians 13–14
   • Before pursuing or practicing spiritual gifts, believers must be “transformed by love,” ensuring they operate with Christ’s heart for people rather than out of self-interest.

2. Desire Versus Ambition

   • Scripture Basis: 1 Timothy 3:1
   • It’s good to desire leadership (Paul encouraged Timothy to aspire to it), but there is a fine line between healthy initiative and self-serving ambition.

3. Emotional Health & Self-Awareness

   • Scripture Basis: Psalm 139:13–14; David’s prayers in the Psalms
   • Healthy leadership—and effective gift use—requires understanding your own “inmost being.” Emotions are indicators, not dictators. We must train our souls to align with God’s truth.

4. Managing the “Disquieted Soul”

   • Scripture Basis: David’s question: “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5)
   • David models healthy self-talk: he recognizes negative emotions yet commands his soul to place hope in God. This template helps us direct our feelings, rather than let them direct us.

5. Grace as Empowerment

   • Scripture Basis: Romans 12:6
   • Grace is not merely forgiveness but an active power that enables believers to exercise their unique blend of gifts. When combined with love, grace supercharges our effectiveness.

6. Leadership Is a Lifelong Journey

   • Spiritual and personal growth never stop. God’s “fine-tuning” process continues through every season of life, shaping both our character and our capacity to lead.

• “If you don’t have love first, then your spiritual gifts can actually become harmful.”
• “Love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a person—God—and we need His heart if we want to operate in our gifts effectively.”
• “Desire leadership, but don’t let it turn into ambition that puts yourself above others.”
• “David looked at his own soul and said, ‘Why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God!’—that’s a powerful example for how we manage our emotions.”

1. Check Your Motivation

   • Before stepping out in a spiritual gift—teaching, prophecy, healing—ask, “Am I doing this out of genuine love for others?”

2. Practice Self-Reflection

   • Like David, pause regularly to assess the state of your soul. Journal, pray, or talk with a mentor to process emotional ups and downs.

3. Pursue Ongoing Growth

   • Read Scripture on love (1 Corinthians 13) and on emotional health (the Psalms). Consider personality or temperament assessments to understand how God “fine-tuned” you.

4. Serve in Community

   • God designed us to learn and grow in relationships. Find fellow believers who will both encourage and challenge you to use your gifts in love.

Thanks for Listening!
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