Daily Worship

Re: Gifts — Sharing is caring

Erick du Toit May 28, 2021 0 1
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1 Corinthians 12: 4-13 (NIVUK)

4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptised by one Spirit so as to form one body – whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

In 1992, Gary Chapman wrote a book entitled The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate. The book is based on the theory that we give and receive love in romantic relationships based on these primary categories:

  • Physical touch
  • Quality time
  • Acts of service
  • Words of affirmation
  • Gift giving

This theory can be applied to various friendships, too.

Are you aware of the language you find most attractive? What language do you find easiest to ‘talk’?

It’s interesting: we often speak the love language to our partners or friends that we ourselves want to receive. If you have a partner that absolutely loves long walks or enjoys going to the movies (when that was still ‘a thing') or popping around for an unplanned cuppa, chances are; their language is ‘Quality Time.’ And the best way to deepen your connection with them is to reciprocate that love in a similar fashion.

‘Hey, you’re probably busy, but I’m just phoning to check in how you’re day is going.’

If we want to love well and become exceptionally good at ‘embodying Christ’s love’ we need to grasp and appreciate the fact that humans are distinct. Unique. And respond differently to love.

That’s the beauty of the imagery Paul uses in this passage. We form part of the same body and have the same Spirit empowering us with different spiritual gifts to communicate God’s love to the world. If we’re all willing to share our gifts, there will be bountiful, and no one will feel left out.

Could the time be right for you to rediscover your language?

Your Spiritual gift?

What steps do you need to take, whom will you talk to, to help you uncover what God’s given you… to give to the world.

 

PRAYER:

Giver of Life,

Tree of life,

In a world consumed by consumerism,

How can I be a gift to be given?

What do I have to offer?

Remind me Spirit that you have equipped me

With things special,

To love others and remind us that they, too,

Are special.