Happy and blessed Monday!
I wonder how often we think about the tremendous grace we have been given and continue to be blessed with. I know I don’t think of it often enough or I would never get off of my knees in gratitude! Are we sharing the grace we are given with others, according to our gifts?
Like so many things, sometimes I tend to settle into a routine and take for granted what has so graciously been given to me.
The writer has used her mother as an example. I could do the same. My mother didn’t have much to offer materially but she could cook, she could offer whatever assistance was needed when someone was sick and she could pray. Oh, how I remember her praying! She blessed others in every way she could and always prayed for them.
I remember a story my cousin told me as an adult. When my aunt (dad’s sister) graduated eighth grade, she didn’t have a presentable dress, so mom, who was already married to my dad, cut up one of her dresses to make one for my aunt. My aunt never forgot that.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us–Romans 12:6a.
So, what can we do to share our gifts with others? Our gifts came from a generous Father who blesses us with grace so often. I don’t believe we are meant to hide it away. I believe we are meant to share it generously.
May the grace of God permeate your heart and soul.
Pray Unceasingly!!
Lois
Hope and Grace
Vonna Meier – Alliance Women
Love always hopes–1 Corinthians 13:7.
My mother fought hard for relationships that were threatening to break. As a member of the Body of Christ, she considered it her personal responsibility to fight to preserve “oneness.” She avoided gossip like the plague, but when she learned of trouble brewing in a marriage or any relationship in the church, her mama bear instincts kicked in to protect that part of the Body from severing. She reached out, asked questions, listened, prayed, offered assistance, and reassured the wounded that there is always hope.
I’m not sure my mother ever thought about what her spiritual gift was. Maybe the apostle Paul—and the rest of us—might assign her the category of “encouraging” and “showing mercy” (see Romans 12:3-9).
My mother was quiet. You may have rarely noticed her. Preparing meals; sewing sundresses; cleaning closets; inviting little ones to discover silent treasures inside her “church bag,” which caused a joyful hush in her pew every Sunday morning—none of these things drew attention to herself, but all of these things blessed the Body of Christ. When no one needs credit, Christ gets it instead.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us–Romans 12:6a.
We all want our gifts to be received graciously, even if we don’t “hit the ball out of the park” every time we offer our gift. Is it okay with you that people “have different gifts, according to the grace given?” Is it okay with you that that brothers and sisters in your church, members of your very own Body, may offer those gifts with differing amounts of faith?
Some gifts are quieter, but who’s to say how much faith it may take to persevere in them?
Grace is the glue that keeps me—and the Church—together. We are truly one Body only when we pour grace out abundantly over each other.
Whether all eyes are on you as you offer your gift or no one sees your sacrifice, you belong. Let’s hold onto hope and keep fighting this good fight of faith together. Let’s live by the grace given to us so every member knows that they belong.