Tag: spirtual gifts

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Most of us have received gifts chosen out of love but forced us to smile and secretly wonder, “What will I do with it?” There is only one Giver of perfect gifts. God always provides us with excellent gifts. Unfortunately, many of us do not recognize that we have received our spiritual gifts [some individuals receive multiple gifts] or we lack understanding of using the gift.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17.

Gifts are usually tangible items of value that we can see, touch, and use for our purpose. But God’s priority is giving us intangible gifts. The writer, artist, mathematician, musician, motivational speaker, or athlete demonstrate their talents and abilities given by God. Do you easily provide comfort and encouragement? John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.” John 3:27. Spiritual gifts enable us to achieve spiritual growth by honoring God and serving others.

Many years ago, I worked with a nurse who was an artist. She would often ask me to explain God’s love but refused to attend church or interact with believers. One evening at work, she shared that as a child, she grew up in an orphanage where she was physically beaten every day because of her outward beauty. Then she asked if she could show me some pictures. Truthfully, I didn’t know what to expect. When I looked at the beautiful images that reflected artistic genius, I realized that God is merciful. From her pain, God had gifted her with the ability to express “perfect beauty” on canvas.

God placed on my heart to invite her to my church’s health fair, where she brought her paintings for display and taught a class where we learned to paint even if our previous experience was only drawing stick figures. During our next shift, she thanked me for inviting her to church and asked if I had disclosed her background. I answered no and explained that would be a grevious sin against God, and a breach of trust and confidentiality. She then expressed that she felt God’s love from everyone, and finally believed that God does love us. All praise and glory to God.

God has a variety of spiritual gifts. Your gift will probably be different from my gift. Yet, God never leaves anyone empty. If you are not aware of your gift or doubt the reason for your abilities, Peter, Jesus’ disciple, explains:

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11

Living for God requires daily worship through knowledge of the scriptures, constantly praying, having complete faith and trust in God’s plans, and being a servant–helping others. We should never bring attention to ourselves. We use our spiritual gifts [talents, abilities] to bring attention to God. With humility and obedience, our thoughts, words, and actions will reflect the character of Jesus Christ.

How did Jesus use his gifts? The Lamb of God born into poverty used His gifts to offer love, compassion, and healing to those who suffered from mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual illnesses. “And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” John 8:29.
If you are struggling in your relationship with Christ, pray and ask God to reveal your spiritual gifts and His plan and purpose for your life.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

Bible Study: 1 Peter 4

God, we desire spiritual growth and to do Your will. Please reveal our spiritual gifts and your plan and purpose for our lives. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.