"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” ~1 Corinthians 12:4-7

“There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. ”~1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Raise your hand if you compare yourself to others. Yep - we can’t help it. “No one listens to me - I’m a terrible leader”; “Her faith is never shaken, how does she do it?”; “Everyone goes to him for advice - he’s so wise”; “they volunteer for everything - where do they get the energy?”

We need to remember that these are not talents, like singing or dancing; these are supernatural gifts that are given by the Spirit of God to be used for His glory. Each were especially needed in the early church in order for it to become established and spread across the world.

Melissa Henderson writes: “Every gift from God is special and important. We are created by God, and He loves us. By acknowledging the spiritual gifts from God, we are glorifying Him. Each gift has the ability to help draw others to a relationship with the Lord. God’s people are like a body with many parts, yet those parts work together. One body part is not better than another. Every person has a purpose and is gifted by the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 12:4-6 “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.”