Devotion: Gifts of the Spirit

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

We have a God who delights in the details! What else can explain the delicacy of a butterfly’s wing or the intricate pattern of a bird’s feather? This created world is as beautiful in wide sweeping landscapes as it is in the stamen of a flower.

The same can be said for the Body of Christ. Take a step back and there is great wonder and beauty in the diversity of size and shape and color of human beings. And if you have ever fallen in love with a baby, you know there is more beauty packed into 10 fingers than you previously could have imagined.

God has been just as generous and creative with Gifts of the Spirit. A spiritual gift is not something earned, but something given by grace, for Love. Perhaps your spiritual gift is something you do not even recognize as a gift. It seems to be human nature to focus on that which we do not have. However, you honor God when you recognize and use your spiritual gifts for yourself and others. Therefore, do not squander your gifts. Share with them with your world!

Holy One – Your imagination and lavish portion to each of us is beyond measure. Help me to discover and cherish your gifts to me. Help me to use my gifts to honor you and others. Amen.

This devotion is written by Patty Forsberg.

If you would like to serve as a member of the Sheridan Lutheran Writing Team and help to write devotions based on the text from the weekend, contact Patty Forsberg.

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