Why God Gives Gifts – May 16, 2022

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3

Why God Gives Gifts

You may have some amazing personal gifts. You may be able to speak more than one language fluently. You may be able to understand things that mystify other people. You may have confidence where others cower in fear. You may be willing and able to endure hardships that cause other people to wither. Even if it’s none of those things, you know what your special gifts are.

Have you ever wondered why God has given you those gifts? It might surprise you that the reason is not so that you can feel better about yourself. In fact, pride in and boasting about your gifts goes against God’s purposes. Your gifts aren’t about you. They are about those around you. God wants you to use your gifts to help the people around you.

That’s precisely what Jesus did. Jesus had more spiritual gifts than anyone, ever. But he didn’t boast about it. Instead, he used those gifts to serve us. He used those gifts to save us. That’s love.

And that is precisely how God wants you to use the gifts he has given you—to serve the people he has brought into your life. Then, like Jesus, your gifts will give glory to God and be a blessing to others.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving and forgiving me. Lead me to use all my gifts in loving service to others. Amen.