Our Daily Bread: UnshakableSýnishorn

The Gift That Can’t Be Returned

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. -1 Peter 4:10

After a medical emergency landed Virginia in a physical rehabilitation home, members of her church visited her daily.

Some delivered treats. Others brought cards to play with her while they helped pass the time. A few people simply showed up to sit with her.

Their willingness to give of their time to be with her assured Virginia that she wasn’t alone during her ordeal.

Noticing the continual stream of visitors and calls from friends, a nurse said, “You sure are loved!”

“I am,” said Virginia. She thanked God as her church family continued making time in their busy schedules to show they cared for her.

The Bible says that God’s gifts of grace come in “great variety” (1 Peter 4:10). God equips His children with special ways of communicating love. He provides each of us with strengths, abilities, and opportunities to serve others faithfully (v. 11).

He uses our unique gifts to reveal His goodness, unconditional love, and presence in our daily lives. But serving others requires a commitment of a limited resource—our time.

We honor God when we spend time with people and demonstrate love through words of encouragement or acts of kindness. When we pray for others, reach out to let them know we’re thinking of them, or simply sit with them during a difficult season, we’re offering the priceless gift of our time.

Xochitl Dixon

Who’s encouraged you by offering the priceless gift of their time when you were in need? Who can you encourage by simply being present?

Ever-present Father, please help me manage my time well so I can be available to love others.