As Pastor Evie’s sermon this week reminded us, God is the giver of Spiritual gifts. It seems that often we see the Spiritual Gifts as something that other people have or do–we aren’t sure what our spiritual gift is–or if we even have one! Spiritual gifts are a mystery we view with intimidation or even guilt. But let us review what Paul says of Spiritual gifts:
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And the are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit Is given to each one for the profit of all.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NKJV)
So it seems that we can all rest easy in the knowledge that God gives each of us spiritual gifts. We don’t have to be intimidated or fearful. The Spiritual Gifts are those unique set of capabilities that God gave to each of us that we say “serve others”. Our gifts are meant not as a talent to display, but as a way to serve others, love others and show God’s love to others. These gifts can be: patience towards others, being kind, listening to the troubles of one another, fixing someone a meal, showing someone how to do something–or any of a million other things that God has already equipped us to do. Perhaps our prayer should be: “God, show me how I can show your love to those around me.” Then it can truly be said, “They will know we are Christians by our love.”