The Webster’s Dictionary shares a few definitions of the word ‘gift’. One definition says a gift is “anything, the property of which is voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation”. In other words, a gift is anything that is given to someone without expecting something in return. I like gifts and I am sure there are some of you that like receiving gifts as well. Over the next few weeks, however, we will not be looking at receiving but at giving.
The best gifts we will ever receive are from God. The Bible says in James 1:17 “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights…” (NKJV). But how do we know which gifts God has given us? Actually, it isn’t too difficult to find that out. The One who gives the gifts is always available to reveal clearly what those gifts are. The Bible lists some of these gifts. They include apostleship, prophecy, teaching, miracle working, healing, the speaking of tongues and interpretation, evangelizing, serving, encouraging, giving and leadership (1st Cor. 12:29-30; Eph. 4:11; Romans 12:6-8). When we read what God has said about the gifts He bestows and we go to Him in prayer for clarity and revelation, He will show us the gifts He has given us. Is there anything you are particularly good at? Do you find that you have a talent? That might just be the gift that God has blessed you with.
What are we to do with the gifts God has given us? The Bible explains that we are to edify and bless each other with what we have received from God. Friends, we are blessed to be a blessing. Leo Buscaglia says “your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to Him.” In the parable of the goats and sheep, found in Matthew 25: 31-46, the King (Jesus) puts the sheep (righteous people) on his right side and the goats (unrighteous people) on His left. And what did He use to separate them? How they used the things they were blessed with. The Kings says to the sheep, ‘I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’ and they were given entrance into the Kingdom. The goats, on the other hand, did not bless others and were not allowed to enter the Kingdom of God.
Your gift back to God is the blessing you pour out on others through what you have received from Him. May you use your words, your songs, your hands, your mind, your talents, your ministry, your intelligence, and your abilities to uplift those around you and those with whom you daily come in contact with.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9.
Thank you for reading.
ThreeSixteen Ministries 