DAY 7 – SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Can you imagine a fireman attempting to put out a fire without a hose or fire-proof clothing? Or a doctor trying to help the sick without tools and medicine?

The Christian life is supernatural, and God does not intend us to live it without supernatural abilities! The Bible tells us that God gives us spiritual gifts that empower us to bless and serve others. We are not all given the same gifts – but rather the Holy Spirit gives each of us different gifts so that together we can encourage one another and represent his powerful kingdom here on earth.

Imagine you’ve got two friends you need to buy a birthday present for. One is an outgoing friend who loves social activities and hosting big dinner parties. The other is a bit more introverted, and likes computer games and reading. They each have different personalities, interests and likes so you don’t want to get them the same thing, you want to buy them a gift that is suited to who they are as a person.

God has done the same thing for us by giving us what we call Spiritual Gifts. When we are baptised in the Spirit, we are empowered to walk in these gifts of the Spirit, which he gives differently to each person so that the church might grow together and encourage one another.

Because they’re gifts, we can’t earn them but God gives them freely to those who ask. These gifts include prophecy, words of knowledge, healing, wisdom, discernment, and many more!

As Christians, we should eagerly desire and develop these gifts within us.

Our gifts are expressed best when we are in community, because we were created to glorify God in the body of Christ. The best way to develop our gifts is to find a mentor (someone who has the gifts that we have or desire is a great start) and practice by putting our gift into action, remembering to be teachable as we grow in what God has given us. Don’t expect to get it all right from the start! This is the value of the community God has placed you in.

Journal:

• Read through the Bible verses above. What gift/s is the Holy Spirit highlighting to you? Begin to ask him in prayer to fill you with these.
• Spiritual gifts tests help us identify gifts that may be growing in us. Take this test to see how the Holy Spirit might be using you to grow the Kingdom of God: - https://c3victory.org.au/what-are-my-spiritual-gifts
• As you discover your gifts write them down and find a mentor who can help you grow in them.