Read: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
If you could gather all of the believers from all over the world together in one place, you would be amazed at how diverse the modern Church is. There are people of all shapes and sizes. These believers may speak different languages and celebrate different cultural histories, yet they all belong to the same family: God’s. God has given each of his children a spiritual gift that he designed perfectly to fit together with the gifts of their fellow followers.
All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
— 1 Corinthians 12:11
While some of our God-given gifts might be the same, the ways we each use those gifts to advance the kingdom of our Lord are as unique as each person’s experiences. 1 Corinthians 4 says that God granted us these gifts so we could help each other. The expression of each of these gifts is meant to work in concert with other believers.
Imagine a small group of believers living, working, and worshiping together. Imagine that within this group, a conflict or need arose. How different would this group be if no one within the group served the others? How different would this group be if no one led the others to resolve the issue? We need these gifts from God to serve each other and the world.
When believers use their gifts together in a community of faith, it is like a beautiful tapestry. One thread alone might look plain, but all the threads together make something wholly different. Each of us must seek ways to cultivate our spiritual gifts and appreciate those of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Reflection Questions:
- How have you experienced the diversity of spiritual gifts within your faith community?
- Why is it important for believers to understand and appreciate the various gifts within the Church?
- How can you encourage others to use their spiritual gifts for the common good?