7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,aand to still another the interpretation of tongues.b 11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12)
Thoughts: Everyone has a gift- but it is not so that we can brag or boast. Each gift is given to use for the common good. It is like God is putting a puzzle together to do His work, and we alone have a piece of the puzzle that no one else has. If we refuse to plug into the church, God's body, the church is weaker and we are not fulfilling our purpose.
Some have a message for people. Some have great, unwavering faith that encourages the weak. Some are healers- smoothing things out and being used by God's Spirit to help people through answered prayer. God does indeed heal today. Prophecy is not just telling the future, but speaking forth the Word that God gives with power. Some people have gifts of discernment. I have met someone who has this gift. They can see through false masks right through to the heart. Tongues is the ability to speak or interpret languages for communication of the message of the Spirit. Today, we downplay all gifts of the Spirit as if they are not needed. But we downplay God as if He is not needed either. The Spirit is still at work around us if we will but open our eyes.
Prayer: Lord, may your Spirit be at work in me. Help me to discern my gift and use it for the good of your kingdom and your Church.
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