I love giving gifts. It doesn’t have to be Christmas or a special birthday (although I absolutely love giving Christmas gifts). I just love to make a difference to someone every day and to show people how special they are.
Think about a gift you have received that was very special and that you use a lot. When you use it, it makes you think of the person who gave you that gift and maybe brings a sweet smile to your face.
Last Christmas I got a gift from a friend that was a beautiful decorative lantern filled with fun kitchen items. She had rolled up a tan kitchen towel, another complimentary brown kitchen towel and strategically placed small bright orange kitchen utensils in the lantern sticking up from the towels. It was absolutely adorable. I use that small orange set of tongs and spatula all the time. I placed a battery-operated candle in the lantern and have it setting on my fireplace mantle. Every time I use those utensils and look at my lantern, I think of my friend, Brenda and smile. I am very thankful for our close relationship.
That is how our spiritual gifts are from the Lord. He carefully chooses the gifts He gives us. He wraps them in His love and strategically places them within your heart to be revealed at just the right time. When you start using your spiritual gift, you will be overwhelmed at the joy you receive. When you experience this joy, you will smile as you remember who gave you that special gift – your Heavenly Father. And when He sees you using that gift, it warms His heart.
Romans 12:6-8 says: 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.
If you aren’t certain what your spiritual gifts are, then take a spiritual gift survey. Your pastor or leader in the church should be able to help you with that. If not, just email me and I will find one especially for you!!
One of the ways to recognize a spiritual gift from the Lord, is to think about what you do for others that brings you joy. Perhaps it is sending cards to encourage others. Or maybe it is leading the teenagers. Maybe it is hosting gatherings in your home and serving others.
I don’t know what YOUR gift is, but I know that God will reveal it to you when you ask and seek guidance from additional resources if you need to. He is so happy to be able to give you that gift and loves to see you enjoy it and use it for good. And when you do, you can’t help but smile and thank Him for that special gift.
Now excuse me, while I go turn on my lantern and enjoy a little light from my friend!
