Spiritual Gifts and Service

What it means

As each has received a gift, serve one another with it as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. The word for manager is the household steward, someone trusted with what belongs to another.

Why every Christian should know it

It removes both pride and excuse. What you have is not yours to boast in and not yours to withhold.

Cross references

• Romans 12:6-8
• 1 Corinthians 4:2
• Matthew 25:14-15

Pray it back

Lord, what you gave me belongs to you and is meant for others. Show me who needs it today.

What it means

To each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all. Paul states the purpose before he lists the gifts.

Why every Christian should know it

It gives you the test for any claimed gift: does it build the church up, or does it draw attention to one member?

Cross references

• 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
• 1 Corinthians 14:12
• Ephesians 4:12

Pray it back

Spirit of God, work through me for the good of others rather than the notice of others.

What it means

Paul names gifts that differ according to the grace given: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, showing mercy, each to be done according to its own measure. The list is practical and mostly unspectacular.

Why every Christian should know it

Most service in a church looks like this: giving generously, leading diligently, showing mercy cheerfully. Learning the list guards you from wanting only the visible roles.

Cross references

• Romans 12:3-5
• 1 Peter 4:11
• Colossians 3:23

Pray it back

Father, let me do my ordinary part diligently and cheerfully, and be content in it.