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Gifts from God

Andrea Lende • September 6, 2022

I Corinthians 12:31

Gifts from God

 

You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/Gifts-from-God-e1nfqq7

 

I Corinthians 12:31

 

“But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more and excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all – love].”

 

 

Paul preached about the spiritual gifts given to each of us by the Holy Spirit.

 

These beloved gifts are given to assist the church body.

 

Each gift is referred to as a part of the body.

 

Each member of the body being equally important.

 

If we look at ourselves, our eyes and ears are tiny members of our bodies, but they are significant and magnificent.

 

Likewise, each member of the church body is significant and magnificent.

 

Paul tells us to “earnestly desire and zealously cultivate” the gifts we have been given.

 

These are action words.

 

We must work on our gifts to help them grow and utilize them to their highest and best use.

 

I’m sure most of us know someone who is extremely talented, and yet, does not utilize their talent.

 

They tend to want to spend time doing other things, and we see their great talent come to nearly nothing.

 

This generally leaves them feeling as if their lives are less meaningful because they haven’t used the talent they’ve been given to bless others.

 

The same is true of our spiritual gifts.

 

If we get caught up in the busyness of life and do not tend to the spiritual gifts we have been given, life is less meaningful.

 

Paul also tells the church the greatest gift of all is love.

 

It is to be treated like the other gifts, “earnestly desired and zealously cultivated.”

 

Love takes work.

 

It doesn’t always come naturally, but we can ask God to fill us with His love.

 

Love, like any gift, is something we must lean into and work on in order to see fruit.

 

Today I pray the Lord puts His love in my heart and helps me work diligently to cultivate the other gifts He’s given me.

 

May you find the Lord will fill your heart with love and help you cultivate the gifts He’s given you as well.

 


Daily Prayer:

 

O Lord, thank You for the gifts You’ve given each of us. Thank You for Your Word that tells us love is the greatest gift of all. Fill our hearts with Your love so we may love as You do. Increase our capacity to love those around us, Father. Soften our hearts and put compassion in our souls. May all the gifts You’ve given us be used for Your highest purpose. Teach us how to use them for Your glory, Lord. May Your Holy Spirit lead us and guide us as we serve You. Help us bless someone today. Thank You for hearing our prayer.

 

Answer: My love is within you, and My Spirit will teach you how to serve and glorify My name.

Response: Help us serve You as You ask of us, Lord. In Jesus name, amen.



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