We talked in our Bible study yesterday about our call to serve others. While many of us want to serve, some of us may feel unequipped to live a lifestyle of service. We may feel inadequate and unequipped to serve, but Scripture teaches that God has uniquely equipped us to show others His love by serving them. He has equipped us with everything we need to serve the people around us.
We read about how God has uniquely equipped us to serve others in the book of 1 Peter. Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples who wrote 1 Peter, writes in 1 Peter 4, “God has given each one of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts” (verse 10). This verse teaches us that God equips each one of us with special, unique gifts from the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts are the skills and abilities that God gives us, such as teaching, encouragement, hospitality, pastoring, and more. These gifts are not given to us for our benefit. Instead, they are given for the benefit of building up the church. That is why, when Peter explained that God has given each of us gifts, he said, "Use them well to serve one another" (verse 10). God gave us spiritual gifts so that we can serve the people around us. Peter continued his teaching about spiritual gifts in this passage of Scripture by compelling Christ-followers to use their gifts with excellence and perseverance. He wrote, “Use them well to serve one another” (verse 10). Peter continued this teaching about spiritual gifts, saying, "Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ” (verse 11). When we use our gifts to serve, we bring glory to our Heavenly Father.
My friend, you have been given unique gifts from God. These gifts have been given to you by God for a purpose. God has given you these spiritual gifts so that you can serve others, point people to Christ, and glorify Him. Will you choose to use your gifts to honor Him and serve those around you?
How has God specifically gifted you? Has He given you compassion? Make a phone call today to serve someone who is hurting and just listen to them. Let them know how much you love them and how much God the Father loves them, too. Maybe God has gifted you with the ability to encourage others. Look for ways to encourage someone today. Perhaps God has gifted you with a special enthusiasm to share your faith with others. Reach out to someone to share the hope of Christ with today. However God has gifted you, confidently set out to love others by serving them today, knowing that God has given you everything you need to serve.
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
