1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NLT) 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
On the eighteenth day of our 21 days of prayer and fasting, let us take a moment to reflect and express our gratitude to God for the unique gifts that we have been blessed with. The Bible teaches us that God has given different gifts to each individual, and every gift is valuable. Some may have the gift of teaching and preaching, while others may have the gift of helping others or a strong faith. Regardless of the gift, each one is a divine blessing.
It's like our body, every part, big or small, has a job to do. Our gifts are like that. They might seem small or not as exciting as others, but they all help the church. If you have a gift, it's special and important. God gave it to you for a good reason.
Sometimes, we might feel that our gift isn't as good as someone else's. But every gift is needed. Maybe you're good at making people feel welcome or a good listener. These things are just as important. We all work together, like parts of a body, to help each other and to show God's love.
To use our gifts well, we need to know what they are. We can find out by praying, reading the Bible, and being with other Christians. Ask God to show you your gift and how to use it to help others.
We should also be thankful for other people's gifts. Maybe someone has helped you learn about God or been kind when you needed it. Let's thank God for these people and their gifts.
A PRAYER OF GRATITUDE:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful gifts You have given each of us. Please help me to understand my special gifts and use them in the best possible way to serve others and honour You. I pray for Your guidance in discovering my talents, whether they are visible, like teaching, or hidden, like offering a kind word at the right time. Please give me the courage to use these gifts, even when I feel shy or unsure.
I ask for Your wisdom to use my gifts not for my own glory but for the good of Your church and to show Your love in the world. Please guide me in my daily life to be an example of Your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
CLOSING THOUGHT:
As we continue to explore and use our gifts, remember that each one is a precious part of God's plan for us and the church. Our gifts are not just for ourselves; they are given to us so we can help and encourage others and, through this, show God's love.
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES FOR REFLECTION:
Romans 12:6-8 (NLT) 6 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. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 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.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (NLT) 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
1 Peter 4:10 (NLT) 10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
During this time of prayer and reflection, let us dedicate ourselves to using our individual talents for the betterment of the Church and to glorify God. Let us always remember that every gift, no matter how insignificant it may seem, plays a crucial role in God's perfect plan.