1 Corinthians 11-12, Psalm 146
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NLT)
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.”
In 1 Corinthians 12:4–6, Paul tells the church in Corinth that the gifts of the Spirit all have the same origin. All the gifts are intended to build up the members of the church. The gifts are not given to make a believer stand out, but so the church community can function as a group. Paul reminds believers that no gift is less spiritual or greater than the other gifts. The Lord works in different ways and in each believer through the gifts.
One Bible commentary I read noted that no believer possesses every gift, and each gift is given by the Lord's grace. Believers need to use their gifts in ways that edify others and glorify Father-God. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to believers for varied forms of service within the church. The gifts serve to advance the gospel of Christ and build up His people. Jesus directs the different ministries as head of the church, and Christ determines the purpose and proper use of every ministry. The Lord accomplishes His purposes through every gift, ministry, and believer He chooses.
These verses remind me that every single person has a place in the church through the different gifts that the Lord bestows upon them. And since the Lord is the head of His church, every believer with their specific gift fits into Father-God's plan for the world. It also reminds me not to be jealous of gifts I don't have. The Lord has given me a specific gift, and my gift fits in with other believers' gifts to serve the Lord and His plans for the world.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who gives every believer a gift to fulfill His plans in the world—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord's love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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