“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. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 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.” – Romans 12:6-8 NLT
I love seeing people around me who just seem to give generously and quickly. My Father was one of those people – he just loved, loved, loved people. And he would easily give the shirt off his back if asked – or maybe even if not. I strive to be one of those people, even though I know I’ve got a long way to go. Romans 12:6-8 helps give me some perspective, though. “Giving” is a gift from the Holy Spirit. Wow!! It’s a spiritual gift – like prophecy, teaching, and leading – giving is right up there!!
As Christians, we so quickly exalt some gifts over others – the spiritual gift of preaching in Church – we lift it on a pedestal, right? But this verse reminds us – no! God hasn’t just made a few exalted spiritual gifts. He’s given each of us a gift. His Church is made up of all kinds of different members with all different types of gifts. And we’re all crucial, critical, and essential to His ministry, His work, and His purpose here on earth. To compare the “toe” to the “eye” isn’t fair, nor is it necessary. This verse says that – if you’re a toe – be the very best toe you can be. You don’t need to strive to be like an eye – that isn’t your purpose or gifting, and that’s okay!! But it is your responsibility to be a great toe.
Being the person with a gift of giving seems so attainable, doesn’t it? Why not ask for the gift of giving? How amazing would that be to be a giver? And yet, don’t downplay the gift of giving because it seems humanly attainable. This kind of giving has got to be spirit-led. It’s not just any type of giving; it’s generous, inspired, selfless, continuous giving. It’s festive, cheerful, and loving. It’s a beautiful gift that breathes life into every person it touches.
Journeying Together,
John
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