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March 12 But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 1 Corinthians 12:24,25. Our fleshly instincts sometime try to require that one spiritual gift is better than another. But God has said that there are a variety of gifts and effects. Often it is the one who appears weaker that receives the most honor. God has a way of showing us opportunities to minister and share our gifts with those who need the gift of our love the most. How else could it be with a loving God? The body of Christ is healthy when we each have discernment of the needs of others. We are to be servants in the manner of Christ. We are to be prepared to receive gifts as well. To resist the reception of a spiritual gift from a Christian brother is to proclaim that you know better than God how the body is to function. The body is designed to give as well as to receive from each other. The world will wonder what is going on as they watch us. Do you know your gift? Perhaps we can best find out by asking someone else. It can be that you have a gift that you do not realize. I think sometimes God gives gifts to those who are most unaware of the gift—otherwise we might focus on the gift rather than the Giver of the gift. Thank You, Father, for Your giving nature. Out of Your being flows all manner of love and grace to share within the body of Christ. Ultimately it is to be shared with the world as well. We are healthy only when we acknowledge Your life within our life. It is an awesome gift. Give me the discernment to reach out in love to all the body that I encounter. Let me be sensitive to their needs, and let me enjoy the contribution of all members without any attempt on my part to grade the various gifts. We are all one in Your Son, Jesus. Amen. |
