NIV Spiritual Renewal Study Bible PlanSample

Do What You Love to Show God’s Love

Too often many of us have viewed the spiritual gifts primarily as talents God has given us for our own benefit. When considered in this way, spiritual gifts become “options” or “luxuries” that can be neglected or used according to our own whims instead of expressed through the discipline of service. But the Bible teaches us that God gives us spiritual gifts for the benefit of others and to continue Christ’s work on earth. Paul asserted that “to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). The gifts God has entrusted to us belong to the community of believers.

You can begin to discover your gift by prayerfully considering when you have felt the greatest energy and satisfaction in serving the Lord. Also consider these words from Psalms: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). The good desires we have can be clues to finding our spiritual gifts. Paul lists a variety of spiritual gifts in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4.

God has woven a unique design into each of our hearts. Our gifts form a part of this fabric. As we do what we love to show others God’s love, we find spiritual fulfillment and renewal.