Gifts from God

When we celebrate our birthdays, most of us expect to receive gifts from the people near and dear to us.  It’s a common way for them to show their love to us.  As Christians, we are spiritually reborn into the Spirit of God.  We are given a new identity in Jesus and we are bonded to Him as spiritual family.  Because He loves us, God gives us spiritual gifts that signify we are his and empower us to live for His glory.   While gifts at a birthday celebration may be optional, spiritual gifts are vital tools for living as followers of Christ.  God is faithful to be present and provide what we need to make it in our lives as His church. 

So how familiar are you with your own spiritual gifts?  How well do you know the gifts of the church family around you?  Paul writes the words of chapter 12 so that the Christians then and now would not be uninformed. 

A few details to note about spiritual gifts…

-They come from God alone.

-They come in a variety.

-They are for serving the common good.

-They are given in portions.

-They are empowered by God’s Spirit.

-They are given as God wills.

While we have these gifts to serve others and advance God’s Kingdom, they also reveal God’s intimate love for each of us as His children.  Ultimately, the spiritual gifts in our lives remind us to trust in Christ and live together for His glory.

As a Christian, I am reminded all the time that I was not called to live for Jesus on my own and all alone.  Instead I am called to depend on Jesus for His leading and empowerment.  Likewise, I am also called to mutual dependence on His church as my spiritual family.  We are still given spiritual gifts today as marks of the power and presence of Christ Jesus with us.  And we also have spiritual gifts as a means for ministering the good news about Him.  When we think of spiritual gifts, may we see them as demonstrations of God’s grace among us and may we rejoice in our relationship together with Him.

Take a moment right now and reflect on how God has used spiritual gifts to bless you.  Ask God how you might use the gifts you’ve been given to bless others.  And let us rejoice in the Giver as we live out our spiritual gifts together for the glory of King Jesus!

Grateful and hopeful in Christ,

Jon