1 Corinthians 12:27-31a (NRSV)
Read 1 Corinthians 12:27-31a on biblegateway.com
Verse 27Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. Verse 28And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Verse 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Verse 30Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Verse 31But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
Devotion
So many gifts ... such various ways to serve ... every member of Christ’s body is so unique. Think of the myriad ways through which we can give God the glory: All part of the whole, yet individual members.
So why is it that instead of celebrating we are more often found competing? Is it that we are envious of others? It all looks so good! Or is it that we are so insecure with the gifts God has given us that we can’t be satisfied? Does it not seem a bit ridiculous the means we employ in seeking to be right, or to be the best, when the Apostle Paul tells us that it is really about love?
They do not belong to us, these gifts. And they are not ours to keep. Received out of love, they are meant to be shared in love; a witness to the one who gives them.
Prayer
Dearest Lord, thank you for your gifts of grace. Teach us to use them with love. Amen.