GIFT GIVING
Isn’t it fun to get a gift? Gifts can come in different sizes, colors, and ways. The Bible tells us that God loves us and because He loves us, He gives us each unique gifts that we can use. What spiritual gift has God given you? Your gift may be different from someone else’s gift, but it is the gift God knew you needed. Your special gift may be welcoming visitors to church or helping in the church’s nursery or praying for others or running errands for the sick or elderly friends or community acquaintances. Maybe you are to help at a homeless shelter or packing boxes with clothes for an overseas orphanage, or volunteering for a community benefit – it doesn’t matter what your gift is, thank God for your gift and ask Him to help you recognize them.
Read Romans 12: 3-8. God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well and in these verses, we are encouraged to use the gifts God gave each of us for His glory. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach to the best of your ability. If you are a preacher, see to it that your sermons are strong and helpful. If God has given you money, be generous and help others with it. If God has put you in charge of the work of others, take the responsibility seriously. Those who offer comfort to the sorrowing should do it with Christian cheer.
Don’t just pretend that you love others, really love them. Hate what is wrong; stand on the side of the good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work but serve the Lord enthusiastically. What will you do today with your gifts?