Love In Action
ICS Daily Devotions
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NKJV) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Jesus had the fullness of the Spirit and operated in all the gifts of the Spirit. He performed signs and wonders throughout His earthly ministry. He distributed all the gifts to the body of believers. These are gifts of grace, not rewards for merit, but something God expects us to use responsibly to bless others. Each of us will receive different gifts, not based on what we ask, but as the Holy Spirit wills. The Holy Spirit equips each believer for the specific roles He has prepared them for. These gifts will be diverse in their benefits to the people. This diversity ensures that no single individual has all the power; only Jesus did.
God has given the fivefold ministry to the church: Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Evangelist, and Teacher. Each gift is distinct. Those who are apostolic, like today’s missionaries, are gifted to break new ground and plant churches. Pastoral people love the sheep and care for the church. Evangelists are willing to travel to the farthest places to preach the gospel. Teachers are faithful in teaching the truth, line upon line, precept upon precept. Prophets can prophesy about what is to come and also bring edification, comfort, and exhortation to the church.
We need every gift within the church to function effectively in equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. Everything we do or say must be done in love, including embracing all the gifts God has given to the church. We should encourage all these gifts to operate within the church.
The nine gifts are categorised into three groups:
Oral gifts: the gift of tongues, the gift of prophecy, and the interpretation of tongues.
Power gifts: the gift of faith, the gift of healings, and the working of miracles.
Revelational gifts: the word of knowledge, word of wisdom, and the discerning of spirits.
The gifts are given to build up the church, fostering interdependence among us, creating deep unity.
We are blessed to have the Holy Spirit living in us. The Holy Spirit is full of love for others. Therefore, He will prompt you to minister with the gifts He has given or even grant you the grace to serve through a gift that is not your primary gift, in church or at work, because of His love for people. God is compassionate. Therefore, He needs you to be a channel of blessing, just as Jesus showed compassion for people during His time on earth. That is love in action.
Reflection: How can you faithfully steward your gifts and appreciate the different gifts in the body of Christ so that the church grows in unity and love?
Stewardship is Established in Love
