Gifts for Others
Opening Prayer
Jesus, help me to prepare myself to pay the cost required to walk in step with You in a world opposed to You.
Read 1 PETER 4:1-11
[1] Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. [2] As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. [3] For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. [4] They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. [5] But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. [7] The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What gifts has God bestowed?Most of us love receiving gifts. Even if we can’t say that the gift is “just what we’ve always wanted,” we appreciate the thought that lies behind it. And some gifts tell us a lot about the personality or character of the giver.Peter tells us that God has carefully chosen gifts to give to each one of us (10,11). These gifts show us something of God’s grace and character. But the gifts are not for our own personal satisfaction and exclusive use, tempting as it is for us to think that our gift is better than another’s. Rather, the gifts from God are given so that we can serve one another (10). The key to this different mindset lies in the self-giving love of Christ (1). Because of his suffering for us, we are to live our lives for the good of others. Love is to govern the way we use our gifts, whether in speaking or serving (11). And the result? God will be praised and glorified (11).
Apply
Think about your own God-given gifts. How might you use them to help others and give glory to God? Use them.
Closing prayer
Creator God, You have made me and You know me. Help me to walk in the gifts You have given.
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