We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8
Last week we explored the topic of talents, affirming that each of us offers something of value, and that we are all born with talents that help us to shine in a dark and broken world. We will shift our focus this week to take a deeper look at spiritual gifts, which greatly differ from talents. There are a handful of passages in the Bible that talk about gifts of the Spirit, like the one above found in Romans. Each of us has at least one spiritual gift that God places in us. These spiritual gifts were ushered in and have been part of the body of Christ since the Holy Spirit came once Jesus ascended to heaven.
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 1 Corinthians 14:1
When we give our hearts and lives over to God, Christ and the Spirit dwell within us (See: Romans 8:10, 1 Corinthians 6:19). Along with the presence of the Spirit comes the manifestation of spiritual gifts. We should pray for gifts of the Spirit. We should seek and desire them. You may wonder what your spiritual gifts are and how to use them. There are assessments you can take, you may prayerfully discern your gifts, or consider what natural tendencies you have that align with the gifts of the Spirit listed in the Bible.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10
Our gifts should be used to serve others, and they should be used to point others to Christ. Spiritual gifts are not for our own edification or to lure us into prideful ways, thinking we are better than others, or more loved or holy than other believers. These gifts are an honor, and the Spirit wants to work through each of us to show God's loving presence in this world. With humble hearts, we can use our spiritual gifts to draw attention to God's righteous ways, the Gospel message, and redemption found in Jesus.
If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3
We can be a good steward of our spiritual gifts by using them from a place of love and servant-hood. Let Love motivate your spiritual gifts. Anything we do is null and void if not done out of love. It takes practice, but it is possible to develop a habit of checking intentions. Am I doing this out of love or conceit? It is important to ask ourselves these kinds of questions. We want to have pure motivations. It is with good intentions that the real work of furthering God's kingdom is done. As you embrace your spiritual gift(s), I encourage you to seek the Lord's guidance on how to use your gifts. Through prayer and reading His word, you will begin to better understand spiritual gifts. Whatever we learn about gifts of the Spirit should align with what the Bible teaches.
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:6
God gives to each of us according to His grace. Every gift is special and needed. Every gift is of value to the body of Christ and to the world. God will give you the spiritual gift(s) that He sees best fit for you. Whatever He gives, we can be grateful and humbled that His Spirit lives within us and uses us for His glory. We can be honored that we matter and have something of great value to offer as God's beloved children entrusted with such special spiritual gifts.
This Week’s Reading Plan
As you read the following passages this week, ask yourself these questions:
1) What verse comforts me that I can commit to memory?
2) What word or phrase stands out?
3) What am I learning about God from this?
4) How can I apply this to my life today?
Helpful Hints: Screenshot or Save, and Share with your BFF!
Author: Pamela Myers Palmer
Date: 11/18/2019
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