Go Give It
I have a sister who is an extraordinary gift giver. It’s more than a skill, it’s a gift for giving. She is always on the lookout for that perfect item that captures the essence of a person. It’s not the amount of money she spends or the item itself but in the pairing. Every time I open a gift from my sister, I’m pleasantly surprised at how perceptive she is!
One gift that I frequently use is a belt engraved with Alabama A’s. It got me thinking about my sister’s gift giving as I slid it around my waist. A real gift giver can almost anticipate the joy of the gift, especially if the receiver wouldn’t normally spend that money on themselves. She’s got a gift for giving.
My sister is a great gift giver but she’s not the best. That distinction goes to our Father who knows how to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11). We often think of tangible “things” as the gifts God gives, and while that is true, God’s gifts far exceed the tangible and are woven into the fabric of our lives. Gifts are best given, and God gives each of us a gift to enjoy. We too enjoy it most as it is given.
In Romans 12:3-8, there are 7 spiritual gifts that God uses to build up the Church or community of faith. God dispenses these gifts into Jesus followers through a measure of faith given to each one. The dispersal of gifts is by God’s grace and activated in faith.
What are the gifts? Prophecy (discernment), service, teaching (helping others understand Scripture), exhorting (helping others apply Scripture), giving, leading, and mercy (showing compassion). It’s not that we get a free pass on any but there is at least one infused in us as a gift! We know it because it brings us life when we employ it! It’s different from a skill or talent, it’s a gift that we get the joy of utilizing for Jesus’ sake. Gifts are best given and it’s fun offering our gift for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
I love seeing people in my community of faith experience the joy of using their gift. We are blessed to have gifted people in discerning God’s will, serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading, and showing mercy. The community of faith is designed to be a team sport, and no one rides the bench. God takes delight in giving good gifts to His children and that includes you! Church isn’t an event of bystanders but a body of collective parts working together for movement. That movement is the very mission of Jesus to make disciples by inviting others to follow and grow roots in the faith.
If you feel like you’re on the sideline, I encourage you to remember that you are gifted! It’s a guarantee of God and He took delight in placing that gift in you! You and your gift are too valuable to be sidelined. Where to begin? God’s gifts are distributed with a measure of faith. Faith is when we step out of our comfort zone and give God control.
Maybe step one is connecting with a church. Following Jesus and a commitment to His family are inseparable. Yes, church can be messy. I challenge you to get over it in love. Church is full of sinners, you and I included. Step two, step out in faith, and begin exploring these 7 areas of gifting. Talk to others who know you and request honest feedback on how you might be gifted.
You are gifted! And so am I! And it isn’t about you or me, but about us and them. There is a distinct work that God does in a community of faith, and He has dispersed His gifts to supply a movement for His glory.
We’ve all got a gift, and gifts are designed to be given!