by Jordy van Gaalen

Using Our Gifts

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
1 Peter 4:10 NIV

“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 NIV

God has given each of us a unique set of gifts and stories and experiences. All of these are intended to be used to serve others in need. 

We can use these unique gifts to praise God, to show God’s love to others, and to be Jesus’ hands and feet. It looks different for each of us. Some of us have the gift of a listening ear, of teaching and preaching, of bringing laughter, or of skillful hands. 

Our gifts equip us to meet the needs of not only the Christian community, the body of Christ, but also in expanding the Kingdom of God. In this manner, as we serve as one body, there is evidence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. Gifts were not created or intended to be used in a selfish manner, but rather to serve others. We have been given the training and the Holy Spirit to serve any needs of the body of Christ. These needs include caring for the sick, the poor, and the aged. These needs include giving to others, uplifting our brothers and sisters, and encouraging those who are downtrodden. 

As we serve, we ought to do so with delight, not just to follow “orders.” We are “stewards of God’s grace,” as 1 Peter says. We are carrying around the Gospel message; we are carrying God’s grace as we live and move and interact with the world. What a weighty knowledge, yet one of honor. We have been given countless gifts to pour out not only to our brothers and sisters in Christ, but in order to share the Kingdom of God to the ends of the earth. 

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado