I’m Here for You 2: Using Your Gifts to Meet Needs

I’m Here for You Day 2: Using Your Gifts to Meet Needs

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, ESV)

“So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:5-8, ESV)

One of my favorite aspects of the church is that we are all uniquely gifted and each of our gifts plays a part in the whole. No gift is too minor to be used for the glory of God. Each and every one of us has a designated purpose in our local church, community, and the church as a whole. 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that all of our unique parts come together into one body. No part is lesser than the other because they are all needed to keep the body functioning together. 

What has God gifted you with? Take a moment to think about your abilities, whether they be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Don’t shy away from your talents! God has blessed you with them and His desire is for you to know them and use them. Remember, nothing is too small. God gives us gifts of patience, compassion, teaching, grace, and mercy, and He also gives us unique abilities. When the tabernacle was first constructed, God filled His people not only with specific gifts, but with the earnest desire to use them to build the tabernacle. God intentionally put the skills of fine craftsmanship into Bezalel and Oholiab so that they could use their talents to design and assemble the intricate details of the tabernacle. How incredible is that! Are you good at baking? Make delicious dishes to bring joy to your friends and neighbors. Are you a good accountant? Help your friends file taxes or give financial tips. Are you great at organization? Help someone reorganize their closet or pack up their moving boxes. Are you skilled at one-on-one conversations? Take a friend out for coffee and a chat. If you see a need and you know how to fill it, do it! 

Our gifts don’t just help us contribute to our local church; they are also present in our relationships, occupations, education, and truly, every aspect of life. Our gifts are what make us good employees, friends, partners, and family members. If you were having car troubles, I bet you could think of at least one person in your life that you could call for advice. God gifted that person with the ability to understand the intricacies of mechanics so that they could not only maintain a job, but also lend a helping hand to those around them. The same applies to you.

Our life experiences play a considerable role in our gifts as well. God often allows us to suffer through a difficult experience so that we can be a comfort to those who experience the same struggles. As difficult as your struggles may be, God has an incredible way of teaching us new values and perspectives through them. These experiences can make us better believers, friends, and family members.

My challenge to you today is to acknowledge the gifts that God has given you, remind yourself that He has given them to you for a purpose, and use them.  He has made you exactly the way you are for a reason. You have something wonderful to offer those around you. Use your gifts to meet the needs of others and you will bring Him glory in the process.

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