THINK TOGETHER.
Do you love getting gifts? Have you received any good gifts lately?
READ TOGETHER.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7. 4There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 7A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
I enjoy getting gifts as much as the next person. I’m sure you do too. We all like to get things. Christmas gifts. Birthday presents. What about giving gifts? Do you love to give gifts as much as you like to give gifts? Some of us are really good at giving gifts, others not so much. Sometimes it’s easiest just to give someone a gift card so you don’t have to think about the gift too much.
When we receive Jesus as our savior, one of the coolest things that the Holy Spirit does for us is to give us a spiritual gift. The Holy Spirit loves giving us gifts. His gifts are called “spiritual gifts.” This means that they are invisible and inside of us. Toys, video games, clothes – these are NOT spiritual gifts. Showing kindness, having faith, being wise – these are spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts can also be something that we are able to do. Telling others about Jesus, teaching the Bible, helping others in need – these are also spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit.
Unlike some of your birthday presents, spiritual gifts are always meant to be shared. The whole reason that the Holy Spirit gives us gifts is so that we can use them to help the church – A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. Because every Christian has different kinds of spiritual gifts, we can all learn from each other. For example, a Christian that has the gift of wisdom should help everyone else be wise. A Christian that has the gift of helping others should show everyone else how to help others.
The most important thing to remember about spiritual gifts is that spiritual gifts are NOT the most important thing. Love is the most important thing. This is how the Apostle Paul says it in 1 Corinthians 13:
1 Corinthians 13:1-3. 1If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
As you grow up, especially as you grow up in Christ, focus first on loving like Jesus. Then the Holy Spirit will show you your spiritual gift along the way. Remember, gifts without love are useless. But gifts with love are God’s power in you.
Because of the Holy Spirit we have spiritual gifts.
With the Holy Spirit we can use our gifts to love one another.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
Find something in your home that was a gift that is used to benefit everyone in the house. What would happen if you had this gift but didn’t love each other? Could you use this gift against each other? How?
PRAY TOGETHER
Father, as I grow up teach me how to use my gifts to love others and help the church. Amen.
TLICfamily 