June 17 – Gifts and Grace

Today’s Scripture comes from Romans 12, verses 6-8:

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, [let us use them]: if prophecy, [let us] [prophesy] in proportion to our faith; or ministry, [let us use it] in [our] ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Here is a two-fold lesson for us, calling for twice the “conversatio” (conversion of lifestyle.)

First, we must acknowledge that we have been gifted; that is not to say that we ARE gifted, in that way that prompts us to think more highly of ourselves than we ought, just as we saw we must not do, but gifts have been bestowed upon us. There is no doubt about it.

Secondly, there are right and wrong ways to use them. There are BEST WAYS to use them. If we look at them all together, we will give to others in proportion of faith, ministering to others, in gracious teaching and exhortation, with generous hearts and diligence and cheerfulness.

That sounds like a church where many could find a welcome.

Or a home where many could find a welcome!

We are looking at God’s express instructions, and there are several here, but in short, we take what God has given, and we spend it on others in cheerful, humble, gracious, and faithful service and love . . . for as long as it takes for them to find the gift of God for themselves.


"Let's Party!"
photo by Kerry