Today we
finish discussing the spiritual gifts listed in Romans. As you read these
descriptions, be praying for the Holy Spirit to give insight as to your
personal gifts.
May’s Awakening, Day 6
We
have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift
is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving,
then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6–8 NIV
Exhortation.
The gift of exhortation, sometimes called encouraging or counseling, is the
distinctive ability to appropriately communicate words of encouragement,
challenge, or occasional rebuke to bring health and wholeness to the body of
believers. This requires an understanding and empathetic persuasion, with great
people skills, and the delivery of well-chosen and anointed words.
Giving.
The gift of giving is the distinctive ability to cheerfully, generously,
and often quietly, contribute material resources to God’s work, above and
beyond the normal tithes and offerings expected of all believers. The true gift
of giving is deeply gratifying, done with the purest motives, never
controlling, and never prideful.
Leadership.
The gift of leadership is the distinctive ability to set goals in
accordance with God’s purpose, plan, or mission and to effectively communicate
these goals to others in positive influential ways, such that they voluntarily
and harmoniously work together to accomplish those goals for God’s glory. The
gift of leadership is never prideful nor misuses power or influence. Once again,
remember, a leader in the natural is not necessarily a leader in the spiritual.
Mercy.
The gift of mercy is the distinctive ability to have genuine empathy and
compassion for individuals who are suffering distressing physical, mental, or
emotional problems, and to cheerfully undertake actions which help to alleviate
the suffering situations and display God’s love. The gift of mercy brings
relief, comfort, and hope in material, action, and verbal ways to those who are
hurting to restore them to wellness and productivity.
It should be quite apparent already
that the spiritual gifts are extraordinarily diverse and many are openly very
visible and powerful and yet some are very camouflaged but equally spiritually
powerful. The point is that you must embrace the gifts that the Holy Spirit has
given you and continually develop and mature your gifts. The body of Christ
needs every person, part, and gift to function properly and powerfully. You may
even have some hidden gifts that God will open up later for a particular time
or season. Regardless, in the body of Christ, the toe is just as important as
the head. Tomorrow we begin looking at the next listing of gifts in 1
Corinthians, Chapter 12.
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