In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.
So if God has given you the ability to prophesy,
speak out with as much faith as God has given you.
If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well.
If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously.
If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.
And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
{Romans 12:4-8, NLT}
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The Beauty of Diversity . . .
Imagine a garden where every bloom was the same color. The same shade even. Sameness everywhere.
The effect would quickly become monotonous.
The most beautiful gardens blossom with a richness of diversity that can’t be rivaled. Bright yellows and reds. Deep purples and blues. A petal for every hue.
In the same way, the Body of Christ exemplifies the beauty of diversity. We are encouragers and givers, leaders and teachers. Some serve in hidden ways, while others serve in more visible ways.
All are equally important.
We need the person who sweeps the floor as much as we need the leader who speaks with wisdom. The body cannot function well without all the members working together — as one.
We are one under the banner of the cross. The crimson blood of Christ unites us.
So whatever we are called to do — whether it is serving, teaching, praying, leading, preaching, or giving — let us live out our callings to the best of our ability, because we know that every gift is by His grace, and for His glory.
While we all enjoy serving in many different ways,
what is the one gift you most enjoy serving the Body of Christ with?
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
I suppose the one gift I feel that God has given me is that of encouragement. Through life’s trials I have been the recipient of much encouragement from others and I know how that has been a balm to my aching soul. Being able to pay that gift forward is an honor and a privilege. Thanks for the reminder, this morning, that all of our gifts are important and needed.
Blessings and Happy Sabbath,
Bev
Beth Williams says
My gift is encouragement. I end cards, e-mails, cook meals, etc. whatever it takes to encourage others along their journey. In the past people have encouraged me, so I want to pass this along. I feel that each trial we go through is to serve a purpose and allow us to then encourage others going through the same thing!
Have a blessed Sunday!
Autumn Macarthur says
God has led me through unexpected pathways into writing Christian romance novels. I feel so blessed and know I’m doing His will when I read reviews saying the stories are filled with God’s love, and reminded the reader of His grace and forgiveness. Most of all I want to live His love and share it as much as I can, however I can.
Amy M says
Amen! Just this week I got some wonderful reminders of just how powerful those quiet, behind-the-scenes gifts can be – and of how beautiful a true servant’s heart is. It was so wonderful getting to spend time with some lovely ladies from my church whose encouragement of others, constant prayer, and willingness to decorate the sanctuary/prepare meals/you name it helped point our attention to God just as surely as the teachers. My gifts lie more with writing and with numbers, so I’m usually employing my talents alone at the computer, but it’s so lovely to be part of a body while doing so.
Sandra Crittenden says
THE LORD HAVE GIVEN ME THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND WRITING POEMS AND WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT. WHEN I WRITE I FEEL THE PRESENCE OF THE FATHER, JESUS AND HOLY SPIRIT. THERE I FEEL WHAT JOY IS AS I AM WRITING WHAT IS PUT IN MY SPIRIT. I THANK THE LORD FOR USING ME AS A PART OF HIS KINGDOM.
Tammy Bearden says
Encouragement!
Thank you, Lord, for not only placing encouraging people in my life when I needed them, but giving me this gift and revealing that it is from you! Please place people in my path that will be blessed by encouragement and my exhorting of your Word.
Amen