Exercising your gift

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelist; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.  Eph. 4:11-12

Paul has much to say in his writings about the gifts of the spirit.  Each Christian is given certain talents and abilities.  The gifts of encouragement, administration, prayer and giving are just as important as the gifts of evangelism, preaching or teaching.  When each of us use our gift others are blessed, the ministry of the church is moved forward and the body of Christ edified.

In this passage, Paul reminds us that not only are talents and abilities a gift, but the person exercising them are a gift as well.  Your Sunday school teacher is a gift from God.  So is that person who shares a word of encouragement.  God gives the church those people who are needed to complete the body of Christ.

When we see our fellow Christians we see a gift from God.
Rev DB