Creator, Father, King #279

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED how virtually every Marvel and DC Comics superhero is gifted with ridiculous superpowers? If they’re not slinging webs from their wrists or shooting laser beams from their eyes, they’re flying, shapeshifting, teleporting, regenerating, turning invisible, or throwing really, really heavy stuff.

In their quest to save the world, none of them, it seems, is normal. Oh sure, there might be a few outliers, such as Batman, who relies on his superior martial arts, stealth tactics, body armor, and gadgetry to beat the bad guys. But overall, most superheroes are blessed with a dazzling array of otherworldly gifts.

When was the last time you watched a superhero movie and saw one of the good guys say to the supervillain, “I just wanted to bless you with an encouraging word of God’s love”? That would probably leave poor Thanos, Magneto, and the Joker speechless!

The world has a thoroughly flawed concept of what it means to truly help others. But Scripture—specifically passages such as 1 Corinthians 12–14 and Romans 12:3-8—paints a clear picture of this by revealing how God endows every believer with wonderful spiritual gifts.

What’s It Mean?

A spiritual gift is a special Holy Spirit–empowered talent/interest that God gives to every believer for the purpose of building his church (see today’s verse) and the advancement of the gospel. We don’t earn these by merit. As gifts, God freely gives them to us out of his grace.

Some of the gifts mentioned in the two biblical passages above include prophecy (i.e., words of godly wisdom), tongues (speaking in another language that should be interpreted to edify the church; 1 Corinthians 14), teaching, exhorting, serving, leading, showing generosity, and displaying acts of mercy.

Look at that list above and think about your interests and abilities. Where do you think God has spiritually gifted you? He has uniquely created you! He wants you to enjoy serving him and others. But that’s the point—the gifts he has given you aren’t for your good; they are to glorify God and encourage the body of Christ.

You don’t have to save the world with your spiritual gifts! Just start using them faithfully with an outward focus—and rejoice that God lets you share in building his Kingdom.

Now What?

Read 1 Corinthians 12–14 and Romans 12:3-8 and pray that God would reveal your spiritual gift(s) to you if he hasn’t already.

Did You Know?

Paul’s lists of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12–14 and Romans 12:3-8 weren’t meant to be all-inclusive.