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1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says "Let Jesus be cursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses. (1 Corinthians 12:1-11 NRSV)
Dear Friend, Happy and Terrific Tuesday! I pray that all that is terrific in your opinion come your way! Keep a Jesus-with-me attitude and face the world with love! Yes, even when driving with those who don't really know how!
If you have spent much time visiting churches or witnessed the coming and going of ministers, you are aware that not all spiritual leaders are the same. Not all have the same gifts and graces, but we celebrate one Holy Spirit, whom we know, as Paul affirms, gives out diverse gifts. As a district superintendent I heard churches in search of a new pastoral leader, a grocery list of qualities and gifts they wished their new pastor would come equipped with. Many a time I wished for a The Voice chair turn, where different pastors could come and preach to four leaders from four churches and those who pressed the I Want You button would turn, see the pastor, and make the case for their church in hopes the pastor would choose them. Nah, I'm kidding! In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul addresses the diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, reminding us that although we are all different, we are united by the same Spirit. The church in Corinth was experiencing division and competition, with some members feeling superior to others based on their gifts. Paul encourages them—and us—to embrace the truth that all gifts are given for the common good and come from the same Source: God.
The passage begins with Paul acknowledging the many different gifts the Holy Spirit gives to believers, from wisdom and knowledge to healing and prophecy. However, he emphasizes that the purpose of these gifts is not self-exaltation, but the edification of the entire body of Christ. "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12).
Each person in the church is essential, and each person's gift plays a vital role in the life and health of the community. There is no hierarchy in the body of Christ—no gift is greater or lesser than another. The hand cannot say to the foot, "I have no need of you," nor can the eye say to the ear, "I don’t need you." Every part of the body has a unique purpose, and every believer has a unique role to play.
Paul also makes it clear that the Spirit distributes these gifts according to God's will, not according to human preference. This means we are called to be faithful stewards of whatever gifts we have received, recognizing that they are not for our own glory, but for the building up of others and the advancing of God's kingdom.
In this passage, we are reminded that the unity of the church is not based on uniformity, but on the diversity of gifts and talents that we bring together. The church is a beautiful mosaic, with each piece playing an indispensable role. When we work together, each one contributing their unique gifts, the body of Christ is strengthened and made complete.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the beautiful diversity within the body of Christ. Thank You for the gifts You have given each of us—gifts of wisdom, knowledge, healing, teaching, service, and more. Help us to use these gifts not for our own glory, but for the common good of the church and the furthering of Your kingdom. Teach us to honor one another’s gifts and to work in unity, remembering that we are all part of the same body, called to serve and love one another. Empower us, Holy Spirit, to fulfill our roles with humility, grace, and love. May our lives reflect the unity and harmony that comes from being one in You. We offer our gifts back to You today, trusting that You will use them for Your glory. In Jesus' strong name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider the gifts God has given you. How are you using them for the common good of your church community? Are you serving in humility, recognizing that every gift—whether visible or hidden—is essential? Take time today to reflect on your role within the body of Christ, and ask God to show you new ways to contribute to the unity and growth of His church.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.