Love God Greatly - Made for CommunitySample

Peter, in this passage, first reminds believers that since Christ died for our sins, we have power over the sin in our life and should live our life fully for God. Because the end is near, Peter then urges believers to be serious and remain alert and vigilant about praying. Most of all, he expects believers to love one another, be hospitable to one another, and use their spiritual gifts to minister to one another. God gives many people natural talents, gifts, and abilities, but at the day of salvation, believers are given a supernatural gift received through the Holy Spirit that we are to use for the glory of God.

Believers are to serve and minister to each other with the ability that God has given them, for the purpose that God imparts, and to bring Him glory. As believers serving in the body of Christ, each member serves a valuable purpose and role in the growth of God’s kingdom. When we fail to use our gifts for God, no matter how insignificant we believe we are, we hinder the body of Christ. Other people must operate outside of their gifts in order to fill our role, and this leads to burnout, stress, and a less effective church/ministry. God doesn’t waste anything, nor does He make mistakes. Romans 12:5-6 tells us that the precious gift that He gives each of us at salvation is a powerful supernatural gift meant to enhance the body of Christ. Many, mistakenly, feel they do not have anything to offer others or that spiritual gifts are only given to certain people. But, the Word opposes those beliefs. When we serve others, God’s kingdom grows, God’s church is strengthened, and we grow and mature spiritually.

How are you using the gift that God has given you? Are you an active member of the body of Christ serving in my church or in ministry? Are you using your gift primarily for worldly success and accolades or at work for financial gain and promotion? Or are you using your gift to serve God’s people? If you are serving outside of your gift, will you begin to pray for recruitment of more laborers for the harvest? Are you operating in the use of your gifts in your own strength or in God’s strength? Is your ministry for God’s glory or for your own?

PRAYER: Father God, You are the God who gives holy and powerful gifts to Your people. Lord, increase the laborers for Your harvest, so that each one is operating in the gift You’ve given them and not filling another’s intended role. Lord, make us good stewards of the gifts You have gifted us. Make us fearless and bold in sharing our gifts with Your people. Refresh and renew us when we get weary. Convict us quickly when we fail to serve Your people simply because it is challenging, inconvenient, or uncomfortable. Develop in us perseverance and endurance to run and finish this race that You have set before us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.