A Gift for Every Believer

A Gift for Every Believer
1 Peter 4:10-11

Even though the Bible clearly states that every believer receives a spiritual
gift, some people nevertheless think they were overlooked. So these men and
women mosey through life refusing opportunities to serve. Other folks are so
busy wishing they had a different ability that they do not use the one bestowed
by the Holy Spirit. Both of these attitudes are sinful.

God has a specific purpose and ministry for every Christian. Our spiritual gifts
help us to fulfill His plan. We learn which one (or ones) we possess by getting
involved in the life of the church.
In other words, a believer will know his divinely appointed abilities when he begins to exercise them.

Moreover, God has a general purpose for handing out spiritual gifts. Christians
exercise their special skills for the common good (1 Cor. 12:7). Everyone
profits when believers do God's work though the power of the Holy Spirit. We're
to use our gifts for equipping, edifying, and encouraging one another
(Eph.4:11-13) . To appreciate how this works, we may have to broaden our understanding
of words like evangelist, prophet, and teacher. Biblically, these terms describe
co-laborers who share Christ, spiritual mentors who explain biblical truths to
new believers, friends who uplift the discouraged, and others doing similar
work.

Every member of the Christian fellowship is important, and each one has a work
to do. There are no excuses for bypassing God's will. Where He has gifted us and
opened doors of opportunity for ministry, He also provides the strength and
courage to exercise our abilities.
Theresa Q. Pavone,A.th, B.th