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Thought for the Week

GIFTS FROM GOD

 

How many times have we heard or read about someone receiving a Gift from God.  I suppose the questions that often springs to mind are:

  • What constitutes a Gift from God?

  • How can we tell that it is a Gift from God?

 

The Bible is full of illustrations of Gifts from God, perhaps the best know is found in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 lists various gifts like wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. However, there are numerous references to gifts, covering a wide range, look up Romans 12:3-8, Ephesians 4:7-13. 

 

How can I find out if God has given me a gift?  The simple answer is to ask, ask God to direct you, but it is important to remember the purpose of `god’s gifts. They are diverse and empowering:

  • Gifts are given by God's grace and are meant to be used for the benefit of others and to further God's mission. 

  • These gifts are not intended for personal gain but rather to empower believers to serve God and others. 

  • God has the freedom to give gifts as He sees fit, and believers are encouraged to discover and use their gifts in service. 

 

I believe that each and every one of us has the ability and desire to be used by God for the furthering of His Kingdom, be that preaching on a Sunday morning, welcoming people into the Church, helping make the tea and coffee after the service.  All gifts are equal in the eyes of God so embrace your gift and help establish God’s Kingdom here on earth.  In essence, the gifts of God in the Bible are a rich tapestry of abilities and talents empowered by the Holy Spirit, designed to build up the church and glorify God. 

 

Love is the supreme gift: 1 Corinthians 13 emphasizes the importance of love, stating that even without love, other gifts like prophecy, faith, knowledge, and tongues are ultimately meaningless.

Love is presented as an enduring, essential attribute that enables believers to use other gifts God gives them for His purpose. 

 

Ian Cribbes

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