“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” – Romans 12:6

It was during my childhood when I discovered that I was a good communicator.

At home, our mum would ask me to repeat what she had said so that my siblings could understand it ‘properly.’

At school, my classmates always understood better (and tended not to forget easily) when I explained something.  

Soon after joining secondary school, we decided to launch a student’s weekly news bulletin, which I helped to edit.  

I guess everyone reading this knows his/her natural talent and ability.

These may include, art, music, raising crops or animals, handling numbers, etc.

Others are good at leading others, sound judgment, settling disputes, helping others, and comforting. God never created anyone who doesn’t have a talent.

When we became Christians, God expected to use our natural talents for His glory – basically to build His kingdom.

In addition, He gave us “gifts” – special spiritual abilities and competencies – so as to contribute to the edification of the Body of Christ.

Our meditation verse today says we have different gifts according to the grace given to each of us; mark the key words – “each of us-” which includes you as well.

‘Gift’ means that which is received freely, in contrast to that which is earned as a meritorious reward.

So every Christian has a gift because God has given everyone at least one gift that can be used to serve Him.

The different ‘gifts’ include spiritual gifts, natural gifts or abilities/talents, as well as bestowed gifts.

The spiritual gifts include ‘speech gifts,’ ‘gifts of the mind’ and ‘gifts of power’ (1 Cor. 12:1-11).

You also do have one or several of these God-given gifts and graces.

“Keep on pursuing love, and keep on desiring spiritual gifts, especially the ability to prophesy.”

1 COR. 14:1

The Scriptures say there are five communicative gifts: prophecy, teaching, encouragement, the word of wisdom, and the word of knowledge.

In addition, there are seven ‘service gifts’: helps, mercy, faith, discernment of spirits, leadership, managing, and giving.

There are also five ‘ministry gifts’: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher.

It is possible and normal for some individuals to have two or more of the different gifts according to the grace given to him/her.

It’s everyone’s responsibility to discover their respective talents, gifts and abilities and then serve God by sharing them selflessly with others.

In other words, gifted people must be ‘other-people-centred’ rather than self-centred. 

It is a great dishonor to God for one to use his/her God-given spiritual gifts for personal selfish gain.

For example, it is devilish for a ‘prophet’ to ask people to pay him/her to prophesy.

However, God expects us to use our natural talents (music, art, writing, etc) to make a livelihood.

But whether it is a natural talent or a spiritual gift, God has given them to us to benefit the entire body of Christ and thus build His Kingdom.

The most influential Churches or organisations are those that try to match ministry opportunities with the spiritual giftings and natural talents of each member.

I like how leadership guru John Maxwell puts it. He says that when we discover our gifts, we will naturally tend to lead in those areas where we are most productive, intuitive, comfortable, influential and satisfied.

So, my dear brother/sister, do you know your spiritual gift?

This is what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:1: “Keep on pursuing love, and keep on desiring spiritual gifts, especially the ability to prophesy.”

So whether you know your gift or not yet, understand that it is God’s will for you to be gifted.

Prayer:

Almighty God, thank you for the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are upon my life. May I continue to desire more and to use them selflessly for the benefit of others and your Kingdom. For the glory of your Name, Amen!