Isn’t it exciting to know that having the Holy Spirit take up residence in you has some added perks? This is the perfect reading to touch on some of the special abilities we have access to through the Holy Spirit. This doesn’t mean we’ll see all these things manifested in our lives. “God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” That’s the truth we need to hold on to.
When you read this list, did you recognize a Spiritual gift you may have been given? If not, no worries because there are other lists in the Bible. Each of our gifts and abilities may be different, but perfectly chosen by God for his purpose.
That’s a good test of whether you’re just “good” at something, or if you have been gifted by the Spirit. Does your superpower benefit the body of Christ or just you? Does it bring God glory and help us in serving him? “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”
Paul is careful here to include all believers. In his day, new converts weren’t just fellow Jews but also Gentiles. It would have been hard for some Jews to accept that God loved the Gentiles and would give them the same kinds of gifts. God’s only favorites, it seems, are those who obey him and believe in Jesus. Just as a loving parent, God wants to give us so many good things!
To help us understand a little more about how our gifts from the Spirit work, Paul uses the analogy of a body. Being part of the “body of Christ” is something we belong to when we trust Jesus. “[W]e have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.”
Do you have a hard time accepting gifts? How about gifts from God that you know he wants to use for his glory? Does that frighten you a little? Perhaps this will help. You are not alone. There are other body parts to support you. “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” You are part of something bigger than yourself, and your power comes from God.
Let that sink in.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for how you have gifted me. I do desire to have a gift that is beneficial and will do the best to further your kingdom. Help me to use your gifts wisely, trusting you to show me how. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
