Resilient: Powerful Hope in a Dangerous WorldSample

Ephesians 4:11-12 “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

Most of us get gifts at Christmas or on our birthdays. During the whole month of December, whenever I would ask for something as simple as toothpaste, my parents would jokingly remind me, “Christmas is coming.”

We grow up knowing that gifts are something special and something that we can look forward to. But did you know that you have gifts from God through the power of the Holy Spirit that are infinitely more special than anything you find under a tree or handed around a birthday cake?

The gifts of the Spirit are special characteristics that we gain whenever we receive the indwelling of God’s presence. The apostle Paul goes into major detail about the variety of gifts and their purpose – they are all used to build up the church in love. But in 1 Peter, Peter makes a distinction: the gifts give us the honor to steward the grace of God.

He defines God’s grace as being “varied.” Think of stained glass: the different colors and shapes refract the light differently to reveal a grander, more stunning image. So are we with the grace of God. When we use our gifts, we reveal the grand, stunning image of Jesus and His great love for us.

Reflection Questions

1. What are your spiritual gifts? If you’re unsure, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal them to you!
2. The gifts of the Spirit aren’t meant to benefit you – they are supposed to bring God glory. How are you using your gifts? Do they build up the church? Do they bring glory to God?