We have Gifts- Have You Opened YOURS Yet?
Do you remember the excitement of Christmas morning when it was time to unwrap your gifts? I sure do! My heart was filled with joy and anticipation as I couldn’t wait for the moment to tear into each present. When the time came and the wait was over, I couldn’t contain my happiness. With each gift, my eyes lit up in wonder and amazement.
We are experiencing God’s dream as we discover His unique plan for our lives. And we can’t wait to see His dream of us come true. Part of that dream is the excitement about finding our God-given, unique gifts. The excitement that comes on Christmas morning is the same excitement we can have when we discover our Spiritual Gifts. We can trust that these gifts are custom designed to equip us to serve the body of believers in ways we can’t imagine!
More than Understanding
We need more than understanding our Spiritual Gifts. We need to apply our gifts when working with others. The concept of building a team based on each person’s using their gifts. Can you see frustrations melting away? Why? Because everyone is doing what they are good at doing. It’s like putting together a puzzle where each piece fits into its designated spot. Embracing our Spiritual Gifts is essential – it helps us find our place in the bigger picture of life.
We show the love that will please God when we use our gifts. When we value and own our God-given abilities, we make an impact on those around us. At the same time, we bring glory and honor to God’s name.
So, let us encourage one another to seek out and use our gifts for God’s glory, knowing we are confident in the knowledge that He has equipped us each with everything we need to do His work. And at the same time, we are building up our brothers and sisters in faith.
When Serving Gets Hard
I want to give you one last piece of advice before we part ways. Serving others can be challenging, no doubt about it, but don’t lose hope when things get tough – remember Ephesians 6:12. It reminds us that our struggles are “not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil in this world.” Stay with the goal and always hold onto the knowledge that your gifts are unique and valuable.
When uncertainties slip in
We know when God calls us, He equips us with everything we need to fulfill His plan. So, we must be honest about where uncertainties are coming from. Are we uncertain, or, more to the point, is our fear coming from within? Or, is the fear coming from the evil one? Either way, we must not give in to fear. Instead, we must turn to God for guidance and strength.
As we journey through life, questions will arise. But we can find comfort in knowing that God has all the answers we need. So let’s trust in Him, even when things seem uncertain.
With His help, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve great things. So go forth with confidence, knowing that He has equipped us for every good work.
Remember to open your heart to follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance to serve God in unity with others.
Helpful Scriptures
Philippians 1:6 (NASB) For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work [a]among you will complete it [b]by the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:3 (NASB) do nothing [a]from [b]selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves;
1 Peter 4:10 (NASB) As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the [a]multifaceted grace of God.
Ephesians 6:12 (NASB) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
A Comprehensive List of the Spiritual Gifts
Researching and searching for a list of spiritual gifts may take time and effort. Some notes include only part of the lists, while other notes provide a detailed list. Scripture shares the lists of gifts in Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, and 1 Peter.
Spiritual gifts:
Leadership: encouraging and helping others to build the kingdom of God (Romans 12:8 NIV)
Administration: helping with long-term goals and remaining on task ( 1 Cor. 12:28 NIV)
Teaching: instructing in truths and doctrines of God’s Word
Knowledge: teaching and discipleship. The ability to learn, know and explain God’s Word
Wisdom: the ability to discern works of the Holy Spirit and apply teaching and actions
Prophecy: proclaiming the Word of God with boldness (Romans 12:6 NIV)
Discernment: being able to recognize the truth about a situation
Exhortation: people with this Gift are enthusiastic about the Lord, and they can motivate others
Shepherding: looking out for the spiritual welfare of others
Faith: trusting God to fulfill His plan. People with this Gift are encouragers
Evangelism: the building up of the church so others will be led to Christ
Apostleship: motivators, church planters, missionaries: people who look beyond the walls
Service/Helps: helping those in need of practical assistance (Romans 12:7 NIV)
Mercy: The person with this Gift shows acts of compassion
Giving: People with this Gift will give freely and with joy to further His kingdom
Hospitality: Making people feel welcome, appreciated, and wanted (1 Peter 4:9 NIV)
References:
- Scriptures are taken from ttps://www.biblegateway.com
- A Comprehensive Spiritual Gifts List from the Bible – Bible Study Tools.
NOTE: In my workshops, I use Discover Your God-Given Gifts by Don Fortune and Katie Fortune, but you can find many assessments online that can be downloaded.
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