Gr. diōkō, “to pursue.” The Corinthians were urged to use all possible diligence to secure and develop love. Before taking up an analysis of the gift of tongues, Paul gave a final and urgent exhortation concerning the more excellent way which he had praised and described so vividly in ch. 13.
May prophesy.
For a description of the gift of prophecy see on ch. 12:10. In ch. 14 Paul contrasts the gift of prophecy with that of tongues, showing the former to be of greater benefit to the larger number. The Corinthians exalted the gift of tongues above that of prophecy, doubtless because of its spectacular nature. Some may have despised prophecy, as appears to have been the case in Thessalonica (1 Thess. 5:20). The Corinthians were urged to pursue love, which leads men to seek gifts that can benefit others as well as themselves. Men should not seek for the gifts in order to exalt themselves in any way, but that they might serve God better and bring more help to His church (see Acts 8:18-22; 19:13-17).
Desire.
Gr. zēloō, “to be zealous for.” The word is translated “covet earnestly” in ch. 12:31 (see comment there).