Unwrapping God’s Present

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 Peter 4:10

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Some are wrapped in small boxes with fine paper and bows. Others are oversized and held together with strips of masking tape. Whatever the outward appearance, however, a gift’s value is not truly appreciated until it is unwrapped and the contents revealed.

The same can be said of Christians. We have each been given a gift by God to equip the body of Christ and to do His work in the world (Romans 12:3-8). Just like fingerprints, our gifts are unique—given especially for us to use to minister in His name.

If we wonder what our God-given gifts are, we can ask God to help us unwrap them. Many times those around us can help us discern what our giftedness is. Once we understand our gifts, our potential to serve God and His church is limitless. God will empower us to minister to the people we come into contact with—according to our gifts. Remember today that your gift is meant to build up the body of Christ. If you don’t know what your spiritual gift is, take steps to discover it.

The Christian is strong or weak depending upon how closely he has cultivated the knowledge of God.

A. W. TOZER