Bible Quote by Timothy J. Keller
““We tend to see gifts as the sign of the Spirit’s work in someone. But the Bible never does. Judas and King Saul were used by the Spirit to prophesy, do miracles, and so on… but they did not have Spirit-renewed hearts. To be truly led by the Spirit is to grow “the fruit of the Spirit” (v 22). Gifts may or may not operate out of a grace-changed heart; but the fruit-growth of the Spirit can only happen in a child of God. The only test that the Spirit has really indwelled you as a child of God is the growth in the fruit of the Spirit. The first part of that fruit, which Paul mentions here is “love”; and as he says elsewhere, to a church which over-desired particular spiritual gifts: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong … I am nothing … I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1, 2, 3).””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Reason for God” by Timothy J. Keller, 2008
Spiritual gifts without a transformed heart are empty; true spiritual growth is shown by the fruit of the Spirit, especially love.
In simple terms: Gifts need love to be meaningful.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate love, not just gifts.
Themes
spirituality
growth
character
faith
love
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
theological
motivational
When to use this quote
- church leadership
- personal discipleship
- teaching
- counseling
- community building
Key Concepts
fruit of the Spirit
gifts
heart transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- What fruit of the Spirit is most lacking in your life?
- How can you balance gifts with love?
A Different Perspective
Focusing solely on gifts can neglect deeper character development.
