Aside from these physical gifts we share to make others happy, we also share an ‘expression of a gift’ when we offer kindness, friendship and love to another. How and when we give these gifts will often deepen our relationship with people we care about, whether it’s in the workplace, in recreation, or at home.
There are other gifts equally important as designed by God, and described in the Bible. These are Spiritual gifts which come from the Holy Spirit. These gifts are not only designed by God, but given by God to each person who chooses to search for the gift unique to them. These gifts are given to aid and build the church and further God’s Kingdom. While each Believer has access to these unique gifts, it requires a genuine desire and commitment to learning God’s Word and listening to God’s voice, to find our special work, without a desire for personal gain.
There is a list of spiritual gifts which includes discernment, evangelism, healing, leadership, shepherding, teaching, wisdom and others. The Holy Spirit, as giver of the gift, decides which gift is best suited for which person. By developing and using these gifts we honor God as we demonstrate God’s goodness in and through our gifts.
It must feel like Christmas for God when we use the exceptional abilities God has given to further His World. But on the flip side, it must break his heart when he watches us ignore his gift and squander opportunities to deepen our relationship with him. I heard the story about a person who was given a gift by a dear friend and genuinely seemed excited with it, when it was opened. But on a surprise visit to this person’s home only a few months later, saw this special gift tossed haphazardly in the Thrift Store box. It broke their heart and filled them with a sense of loss and hurt, and in some measure devalued.
Yet many of us neglect the gifts God offers. We get so caught up in what the world has to offer; our lives filled with challenges and stressful situations; work, family and goals, we put God on the shelf to be placed on display only as required. Surely this dishonors God. I can’t help but think of the ten talents parable, when God is teaching us to diligently use the gifts we are given.
When our lives are filled with Him, with a deliberate sense of time and energy to find out about Him; he is faithful to supply us with what we need to produce fruit. As we fulfill his purpose, through the use of his gifts, we will be blessed by our efforts and find value in how God made us, giving us a grateful heart! What a wonderful cycle of gratitude! What an awesome gift!
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