Ideas of How to Use your Gift to Glorify the Gift Giver

Romans 12:6-8 says,” We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your  faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Our creator has bestowed each one of us with unique gifts and abilities. Though many times I am unable to identify a gift because it is not packaged in a way I have envisioned it. By that I mean, it doesn’t bring home a trophy, it doesn’t draw attention from people, it doesn’t earn money and so forth. It is simple and obvious to be special. Have you undermined your gifts?

Each gift, if fueled with the love of Christ, can be God honoring, gospel sharing and life transforming opportunity. There are plenty of gifts and ideas out there, let us look into few of these here.

Listening
My friend worked with the group which ministers to the women working in sex industry. Listening to the stories of these vulnerable women, unbiased, non-judgmental and showing genuine love to them has opened the door for some of these women to transition out from this industry. You can be that ‘listening ears’ to someone who desperately needs to be heard and steer them to Christ.

Speaking
Does talking and making friends come easy to you? Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ”. Use your conversation skill to share the gospel with someone.

Writing
Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Use your gift of words to build someone up in Christ. Connect with a missionary and make it your goal to encourage them by your handwritten notes throughout a year.

Caring playful heart
Finger painting, sidewalk chalk, board games, storytelling and mock ups are right up to your alley. You love being kid again. Offer a date night to a couple by watching their kids.

Kitchen skills
You may not be the next food network star but you love to cook and bake. You can serve meal to a family living at places like Ronald McDonald Children Homes or Fisher house. Invite a soldier or an exchange student who could not go back to their home for holidays. Fellowship can open up an opportunity to witness and to build a relationship in Christ.

Hospitality
May be cooking and baking is not what you are best at but you have the heart for hospitality. So be the host and ask friends who love to cook to bring a potluck meal. Invite a retired empty nester from across your street or a new neighbor who just moved in.

Skilled hands
You love to sew, knit, crochet and quilt or you rather spend afternoon crafting. May be you can knit a baby cap or a pair of socks for local pregnancy care centers. Sew a lovey to give it to local police station. Live out those artsy ideas with the group of kids living at a local children shelter.

Party Organizer
You have a knack for planning and organizing parties. You can take your party planning ideas to another level by throwing a birthday party for teens living at shelter facilities.

Colossians 3:23-24 says: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Regardless of what you your gift is, ask yourself, does your gift glorify you or the gift giver?

About Nive

Nive was born and raised in India.  She has a degree in Civil engineering but she decided that developing software is much more fun, so she taught herself programming.  Nive has been married for about a decade to her husband, Randy, a software architect.  They are very blessed to live in the beautiful Texas hill country with their two kids.  Born and raised as Hindu and redeemed by love of Christ a few years ago, Nive has a heart for culture and desire to make her redeemer known.  She loves to cook, has a penchant for handmade crafty things and teaches her kids to serve in the community.  You can find her food blogging athandfulofjoy  and serving at playdate with a purpose.

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