The bounty of Gifts

Gifts

This word can mean something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation. It can also be an act or a talent. “Gift” is mentioned in scripture at least 74 times. There are good gifts, gifts that precede or follow, gifts that are prepared, gifts of service, gifts that are brought, gifts of silver and gold, accepted gifts, taken gifts, gifts that are sought, gifts that come, a person’s gift, secret gifts, gifts of labor, gifts of tribute, gifts of ration, gifts of inheritance, charitable gifts, spiritual gifts, gracious gifts, the gift of righteousness, gift of prophecy, generous gifts, gift of God’s grace, gifts within, heavenly gifts, perfect gifts, and special gifts.

People as Gifts

People can also be gifts. In Ephesians 4:1-16, we read about Christ’s gift of grace. Ponder that amazing gift! Later, it says Christ gave gifts to the captives. From verses 11-14, we read,

And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

Wow, talk about people as gifts from God given to others. These are gifts of which we cannot boast or brag, for they are gifts from God. We might not believe we are a godly gift, but if we allow the gift of Christ Jesus in us, we can be just that to others in need. We can also be elevated from a temporal way of thinking to an eternal way of being.

God’s Gifts

God has given us so much, the heavens, the earth, our families, friends, neighbors, experiences, and the very breath we breathe. He has gifted it all to us. As recipients of such extravagant gifts, including the gift of eternity with Him, what are we to do as repayment when we don’t have to? Should we sit on our gifts and say, “By the gift of grace there go I”? Or do we do something about it for God by being a gift of God to other people through the spiritual roles and gifts we read in Ephesians 4:1-16?

For me and my house, we will serve the Lord, Jeremiah 24;15. Step out in faith. Be a gift to someone else. Give of your time, talents, and treasures to another in need. Haven’t you ever been in need of a godly gift from someone else? Give away the spiritual gifts you have been given and be a gift to someone else. For, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

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Scripture References

For by grace, you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
Ephesians 2:8

Ephesians 4:1-16

Unity of the Spirit

1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

3 being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling.

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

8 Therefore it says,
“WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH,
HE LED CAPTIVE THE CAPTIVES,
AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO PEOPLE.”

9 (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)

11 And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers,

12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ;

13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ,

16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

For additional details or questions or to schedule a complimentary discussion on how you can leverage your gifts to maximize potential and transform for a balanced, happier and impactful life, please email me at coach@maximizeu.life. Lead the life you deserve with greater freedom, power and peace of mind.