Together, friends Melanie and Trevor have hiked miles of mountain trails. Yet neither would be able to do so without the other. Melanie, born with spina bifida, uses a wheelchair. Trevor lost his sight to glaucoma. The duo realised they were one another’s perfect complement for enjoying treks: as he walks the trails, Trevor carries Melanie on his back; meanwhile, she gives him verbal directions. They describe themselves as a “dream team”.
Paul describes believers in Jesus—the body of Christ—as a similar kind of dream team. He urged the Romans to recognise how their individual giftings benefited the larger group. Just as our physical bodies are made up of many parts, each with different functions, together we “form one [spiritual] body.” So our gifts are meant to be given in service for the collective benefit of the church (Romans 12:5). Whether in the form of giving, encouraging, teaching or any of the other spiritual gifts, Paul instructs us to view ourselves and our gifts as belonging to all the others (vv. 5–8).
Melanie and Trevor aren’t focused on what they lack, nor are they prideful of what they do have in comparison to the other. Rather, they cheerfully give of their ‘gifts’ in service to the other, recognising how much they’re both bettered by their collaboration. May we also freely combine the gifts God has given us with those of our fellow members—for the sake of Christ.
By Kirsten Holmberg
REFLECT & PRAY
What gifts and abilities has God given you? How can you share them with those around you?
Thank You, God, for the ways You’ve gifted me. Please show me how I can use my resources and abilities to benefit the body of Christ.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Romans 12:3–8 is well known as one of the New Testament passages that describe spiritual gifts to equip us for spiritual service. These giftings, however, are only half the story. The other half is found in the attitudes with which some of those gifts are to be exercised. What are those “gift attitudes”? Prophesying (preaching) is to be done in “faith.” Giving is to be done “generously,” while leadership is to be exercised “diligently.” Finally, showing mercy is to be done “cheerfully” (vv. 6–8 ). These attitude descriptors remind us that the mere activity of service isn’t enough—our service must come from a heart that reflects the heart of Jesus. As Philippians 2:5 says, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus,” who perfectly modelled for us the heart of a servant.
Bill Crowder
Our mission is to make the life-changing wisdom of the Bible understandable and accessible to all.
