Do you consider yourself a good gift-giver? Trying to choose the perfect gift for a special person can sometimes be a puzzling experience, considering likes, needs, and wants.
The best gift-giver is God the Father, our creator. He knows exactly what we need in every circumstance, understanding more than just our immediate condition. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 4:7 NIV, letter E in Keep on Track). In his wisdom and generous love, he blesses us with gifts at just the right time. If we keep our eyes open and our heart receptive, we will see the many ways he shows us that he sees us, he cares about us, and he is working in us.
Do we remember to pause and thank God for his gifts to us?
When we do, we remind ourselves of our dependence on him and of his love for us. We remind ourselves that the God of this great, big universe, knows all about us and wants to connect with us. And, he shares himself with us.
His gifts extend to blessing each child of his with an extension of himself. As the body of believers, each of us is a part of the whole (1 Corinthians 12:27) with Christ as the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). The same God, Lord, and Spirit are the foundation and the provider of the various gifts. The abilities given to each of us are for the purpose of serving one another for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
Within the family of God, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to practice gift giving. Not reserving for special occasions, we are to give of ourselves to one other by sharing the gifts God has given to us. Are you putting your gifts into practice? Perhaps God has blessed you with a spirit of encouragement, a heart of mercy, an ability to teach, or the joy of generosity. Are you investing in others according to how God has blessed you and in the ways he has designed you?
As the apostle Peter directs believers, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10 NIV, letter E in Keep on Track Volume 2 – coming soon!).
When we do this, we bring God pleasure as we live in the ways he created us and blessed us by his Spirit. Sharing our gifts by serving others fosters unity, encouragement, and joy in the Lord. We experience a fullness in Christ as we use our gifts, coming together as one.
As a reflection of the Lord, we must use our gifts in love. As Romans 12:10-13 prescribes, honor one another by serving in love as an expression of joyfully serving the Lord.
Let’s practice giving to the Lord by serving others with the gifts he has given us.
Gain insight on your spiritual gifts when you use a spiritual gift test.