We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a]faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
Introduction
You have a gift and when you find your gift, unwrap it and share it with others. I know sometimes you may feel despondent as you feel that your gift is not making any impact. Trust me, your gift will impact someone. You may be writing and no one is liking it but that does not mean they are not reading it.
Whatever opportunity or whatever medium you have access to, use your gift. For example so many people are on social media and there is much negativity there but if you use some of your gifts on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, you can bring about positive changes. Obviously, there will be some gifts such as serving and giving that you do not have to share on social media.
This article will discussed briefly the gifts mentioned in Romans 12, however, there are other gifts mentioned in the Bible that are not mentioned in this chapter.
Prophesying
Prophesying is to speak forth the word of God and we should rely totally on the Holy Spirt to guide us with this gift. Of course, this gift can be misused and abused by focusing entirely on the prediction of the future but the main purpose of this gift is to build up the church as stated in 1 Corinthians 14:3. “But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”
Serving
If you have this gift, when you observe something that needs to be done, then you would do it even without someone knowing it was you. I know many of us want to lead but quite frankly the gift of serving should be prerequisite for leading and it should be something we all should desire. By serving, you will meet many untapped needs.
Teaching
There may be persons that criticize you for teaching especially if you do not hold a position in church but if you have that gift, then use it. Ensure that you are guided by the Holy Spirt so that you can teach people the truth about the Word of God. Many of us need clarity and better understanding and your gift can help us in that direction. Do not be intimidated because you do not have a position. If you have the gift of teaching, then teach.
Encouraging
There are so many people that discouraged for a variety of reasons. If you have a gift of encouragement, use your gift to encourage others. By utilizing this gift, the faith of many will increased and many lives will be saved from destruction because discouragement can lead to depression.
Giving
I know most times, when we think of giving we naturally think about giving money. Of course giving involves money, but giving involves more than money. It also involves your time, your service, your love and your attitude. When we give and whatever you give, give your best.
Leading
The gift of leading is the ability to get things done especially in times of crisis. Sometimes we interpret leading as subjecting others or controlling others. However, this gift involves being of service to the Lord. This gift also involves the sharing of visions and grooming and guiding others to grow.
Showing Mercy
This gift involves being compassion to others. Because you are compassionate, you may be called “soft” but this is a gift. Don’t ever feel bad about being compassionate. You can be compassionate and still be strong. God has compassion for us so we should be compassionate to others.
Conclusion
There are a lot of people out there who are “lost” and cannot find their way to their destination. In fact, some of us are in a hopeless state. However, your gift may the very thing individuals need so they can see the light at the end of tunnel. Therefore, whatever gift you have, please share it even if it is just one sentence. Sometimes we may look at something short and think it is not impactful and we may look at something long and don’t even read it.
God has given you a gift. Unwrap it and use it to serve others and bring glory to God.