One of the most beautiful things about God’s design for His people is that He equips each of us with gifts. These aren’t given randomly or for our own glory, but to build up the body of Christ—to encourage, strengthen, and empower one another.
The Bible lists many of these gifts: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, showing mercy (Romans 12), along with the gifts of the Spirit—wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12–14). Isaiah also speaks of gifts such as wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and the fear of the Lord. Each one is a unique expression of God working through us.
But here’s the key: these gifts are not to puff us up or make us think more highly of ourselves than we ought. They are given so we can serve others. As Paul wrote, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). When we prophesy, it isn’t to show how spiritual we are—it’s to edify others. When we serve, it’s not to seek recognition—it’s to lighten someone else’s load.
Even speaking in tongues, Scripture tells us, edifies ourselves. But prophecy, teaching, encouragement, and acts of love edify the body. This is why Paul urges us to “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1). The call is not to avoid these gifts, but to desire them—so we can make a difference in someone else’s life.
The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable. They don’t expire, and they aren’t taken back (Romans 11:29). That means what He’s placed in you is still there, waiting to be stirred up, waiting to be used.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to love. “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love is the heartbeat behind every gift. Without love, they are just noise. With love, they become powerful tools that strengthen, heal, and inspire.
Today, I encourage you to take hold of the gifts God has placed in you, and as one, let’s go and do great things!
