Last night was the second class of the year for the Caring for people God's Way program which a few of the Lay Counselors at my home church are attending, of which I am honored to be counted. Last night was about Using your spiritual gifts and Helping others find significance in this life. The DVD featured speaker, Dr. Ed Hindson.
The text for some of the evening was Romans 12:6-15 in particular and the whole chapter in general.
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the LORD. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." (NIV)
What is interesting, that I did not realize, is that verses 9-15 are descriptions/explainations of the seven gifts listed in 6-9.
A Prophet must exercise love, hating what is evil and embracing the good.
A servant is devoted to their fellows needs, honoring them above theirselves.
A teacher is zealous , enjoying detail and depth.
A Exhorter, encourager in the NIV, is joyful patient and faithful, always building others up.
A giver is that, giving their portion or part of it, to others in accordance with their needs.
An administrator (ruler), must practice restrain as there will be those who persecute and curse the leaders.
And the Mercy gifted have empathy with those in rejoicing or mournful situations.
Of course, each of those gifts must be balanced and like the spiritual gifts given in Corthinians, one can be blessed with several or just one. But it is when these gifts are used in service to the King that they are most effective. When turned upon ourselves, they become disasterous.
I think the teacher, administrator, and mercy gifts are my main ones.
What are yours?
In Christ,
Jim
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