Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1Corinthians 15:58

God has blessed us with Spiritual Gifts which we should be using to serve others. In addition to Spiritual Gifts, we have abilities that we have developed over our lifetime.

Ability: competence in doing something; natural aptitude or acquired proficiency; capacity, fitness, or tendency to act  Merriam Webster’s Dictionary, September 2023

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  1 Peter 4:10

Spiritual gift: a spiritual gift is given by the Holy Spirit.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8

For example: One of my Spiritual Gifts is encouragement. Over the years, I have enjoyed picking out cards and mailing them to friends and family. It doesn’t have to be a special occasion, sometimes it is just a “thinking of you” card. Sometimes it can be as simple as commenting on someone’s new hair cut or offering a hug. Another Spiritual Gift I have been blessed with is teaching. When I was younger, I enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. As I have aged, I still help with Vacation Bible School but not as a primary teacher.

A Spiritual Gift can differ from ability.

At our Church, once a month members bake cookies that are then taken to the local homeless shelter. This ministry gives so much to those that are homeless. They receive hot homemade cookies, they realize someone does care about them and it is a pleasant treat. God does not list baking as a Spiritual Gift but many in our church have the ability to bake. They serve others by using this ability.

When my husband was a hospice patient, he was given a rice filled hot pack. It was made by an 85-year-old lady who sewed them and donated them to hospice. She used her ability to sew to make these hot packs, which were very useful and appreciated.

What do you have the ability to do? Are you using your abilities to serve others?

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