Love God Greatly - the Greatest Gift GivenSample

Using Your Gifts

Read: 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Peter 4:10–11

SOAP: 1 Peter 4:10–11

Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. Whoever speaks, let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

What happens on Christmas morning when siblings or cousins gather together to open gifts? Sometimes it’s pure chaos, and no one ever really knows what the others received until the bows and wrapping paper have finally settled to the ground. Or, if your family gatherings are a little more organized, each child unwraps one gift at a time, so everyone has a chance to be in the spotlight. Inevitably, no matter how the gifts are opened, there will be a moment of comparison. How does what I received compare to what they just opened? Would I rather have something different, or am I content with what I’ve been given?

The gifts our good God gives us are not items to unwrap under the Christmas tree but elements of our personality and character that make us uniquely designed to advance His kingdom. The gifts believers receive from the Holy Spirit are intended to be used together to create unity, not set us apart from one another. All of these gifts: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophesy, discernment—they’re all meant to be better together.

When we embrace the gifts God has given us and use them for His glory and not our own, our families, communities, and churches benefit. Although you might look side-to-side to see what someone else has received, believe that God beautifully designed you to be uniquely equipped to use your gift for His glory. Look around, but only to see where your gift can encourage someone else. Look around, but only to see where you can collaborate instead of compare. But most of all, look up, thanking God for giving you an amazing gift.

Prayer

God, it can be easy for us to look at other believers and compare gifts and opportunities. Help us stay focused right where You have called us, serving You and not our agendas. May we commit to using our gifts to grow Your kingdom and bring You glory because we are truly better together. Amen.