Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; Romans 12:6-7
When you think of the word gift, what comes to mind? Perhaps something that you receive or something you give, for there is joy in both giving and receiving gifts. It is noteworthy that the joy of giving will usually outlast the joy of receiving! But, back to the matter at hand. Thinking of gifts could bring to mind a special occasion as in a birthday or Christmas, with gifts wrapped up in pretty paper and ribbons.
These are all tangible gifts, sometimes valuable and other times tokens, but gifts nonetheless. There are however other gifts that can be given that are not of a physical origin although the manifestation of the gift may be of a physical nature. These are gifts that you have received from the Lord, so they are given to you spiritually. These gifts are given to you for a purpose; they have a specific use.
You might not think you have received any of these gifts since you can’t see them as you can a physical present and the giving of these gifts is not marked with a celebration and cake and ice cream. No, these gifts are given by your heavenly Father and yes, you have received some of these gifts!
Let’s take a quick look at the list here (although it is, of course, not exhaustive but merely representative of all the gifts the Lord can and does give). Prophesying, which is to tell of that which is to come. Ministering, which means to attend to, to serve. To teach, specifically the truth of God’s Word and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who exhorts, he who gives, he who leads, he who shows mercy.
Even if you are not called to be a prophet or a teacher, everyone has been given the gift of serving others. Our greatest example was Jesus himself as He came to the earth not to be served but to serve. He even washed his disciples’ feet before He was taken away to be crucified. And, what an example of serving Jesus was as He went about doing good to those who could never repay Him. He was using a gift from above and bringing glory to His Father by serving others.
You have been given the gift of exhortation and you are called to use it to build up and encourage others. A word spoken in season can lift up the countenance of the hearer more than if you had given them a priceless present. When your words are a gift of God that you are called to deliver to someone, you are literally speaking life, you are releasing the joy of the Lord, you are delivering the peace of God to that person in that moment.
Finally, you have received the wonderful gift of mercy and have the privilege of giving that gift to others. What a gift to have at your disposal when the Lord brings someone across your path who has no hope or expectation of good coming their way. Don’t hold onto those precious gifts; having then gifts, give them away, use them for the glory of God!
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