Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 GIFTS OF HOLY SPIRIT AND SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

Jesus Christ Who Restores
Bible portion: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Devotion

  At a local parish, there was once an older gentleman who although modest in nature, was gifted in his own way. He was not a singer, nor did he have strengths in administration duties. Yet every Sunday without fail, he would welcome his fellow congregants with a warm smile and a handshake. He would also go out of his way to converse with the youth boys saying, “It’s nice to see you today” and go out of his way to dress up as Santa Clause for every Carol Service. Although his gift was never recognized among his peers, it was apparent that he was presented with the gift of speaking and serving in his own unique way. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 talks of two general types of spiritual gifts: speaking (verbal gifts) and serving (nonverbal gifts). Both are freely given to ALL believers in Christ in a vast variety. 
In this passage, Paul emphasizes the diversity and unity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ. He starts by highlighting that all spiritual gifts, ministries, and works of power come from the same source: God's Spirit. Despite their variety, these gifts are given for the common good, allowing everyone to participate and benefit.
Paul lists several types of gifts: 
Verbal gifts (prophecy, knowledge, wisdom, teaching, exhortation, etc.)
Nonverbal gifts (leadership, assisting, giving, mercy, faith, discernment, etc.)
Each of these gifts serves a unique purpose in the body of Christ. This diversity is intentional and reflects the multifaceted nature of God’s work in the world. The Spirit distributes these gifts as He wills, ensuring that each believer has a role in God’s plan.
Application:
Recognize Your Gift: Spend time in prayer and reflection to understand what spiritual gift(s) God has given you. Your gift might be different from those around you, and that’s part of God’s design.
Value Diversity: Appreciate the variety of gifts in your church community. Each gift, whether it’s visible or behind the scenes, is crucial for the health and growth of the body of Christ.
Use Your Gift: Don’t let your gift lie dormant. Find ways to use it to serve others and glorify God. Whether it’s offering wise counsel, showing simple trust, or performing acts of kindness, your contribution matters.
Encourage Others: Acknowledge and encourage the gifts you see in others. Sometimes a word of affirmation can help someone recognize and use their gift more effectively.
 
PRAYER
 
Father, I thank You for the variety of gifts You have given to Your people. Help us to recognize and appreciate the unique ways You have equipped each of us. Guide us to use our gifts to serve one another and build up Your church. May we celebrate the diversity of gifts and work together in unity for Your glory. Amen.
 
Thought for the Day 

“Your spiritual gifts were not given for your own benefit but for the benefit of others, just as other people were given gifts for your benefit.” – Rick Warren
 
Lennie Philip
Tabor Mar Thoma Church.NY
 

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