Why do we even bother to give gifts? Do we give them out of obligation? I would like to believe that we give people gifts to show them that we are grateful for them and value the role they play in our lives. Giving a gift to someone we care about allows us to communicate our feelings and appreciation for them.
I recently celebrated my 62nd birthday, and twenty-plus years later, I still consider my 40th birthday one of my favorite birthday celebrations. The 40th birthday marks a decade and is one of those birthdays people usually celebrate extravagantly. No one threw me a lavish surprise party, but I received something better, a very special gift. A beautiful floral arrangement was delivered to my job. I couldn’t imagine feeling any more appreciated and loved.
My son, a high school senior, at the time, wouldn’t be home to celebrate my birthday. He was away getting a firsthand view and feel of college visits. He was only 18 at the time, with no access to a credit card, which was required to make the purchase. He was determined and the absence of a credit card wouldn’t deter him from sending me flowers on my birthday. He approached his high school principal telling her that he had the money, but not a credit card, and asked if she would be the liaison with the florist. He was intentional in providing me with something that he knew would encourage me and comfort me.
I hadn’t done anything to deserve them, but because of his love and his absence, he took the time to give me something that I didn’t ask for. My son knew it would benefit me, encourage me, and inspire others when they saw the flowers sitting on my desk.
This is the same thing God does for us. He gives us gifts, spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:7-11), simply because of His grace, for not one of us is worthy of receiving them. Gift-giving says a lot about the giver.
The purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up, encourage, and comfort the church. Spiritual gifts are something every believer is given when he or she receives the gift of salvation (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14). Just as the gift of salvation is by grace through faith, so are the spiritual gifts. Our God is so generous. He is constantly giving to us, the fruit of the Spirit, mercy, grace, etc.
The most important gift He could ever give us is the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4). And what do we do with the gifts He gives us? Do we treat them like old birthday gifts? Can we lose our gifts if we don’t do anything with them? Although there are plenty of Scriptures to support the loss of effectiveness and fruitfulness, I don’t believe you can lose your gifts. You may ask what about the parable found in Matthew 25:14-30. God gives us according to what He feels we can handle. This is why every Christian has at least one gift. Like the servant in the parable, we should use what God gives us and not hide or bury it. Scripture is clear that gifts are given because of grace (Romans 12:6a), nothing is earned or merited.
Gifts establish our connection with others, which means that they’re a reflection of both the giver and the receiver, as well as their unique relationship. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? Find out here: https://www.macedoniakc.org/stay-connected
What is your spiritual gift? Reach me at rlaw@rachelleco.com
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