Week 2 - Love Others - Day 9 - Thursday

Written by Debbie Phares
I am always amazed at how different gifts are expressed in my Life Group. Each person brings something completely unique to the table. As we build relationships with one another these gifts automatically begin to emerge. One member of our group is a master encourager, another always makes sure that each person is included, another keeps us organized and on track, one constantly serves through donating time and still another gives wise counsel and advice. This process seems to be totally organic. As we engage with each other and learn about needs, hopes and opportunities, each member naturally lifts up and offers what she/he can. As our group has grown, we have considered splitting and becoming two groups. We can barely stand to entertain this option. Each of us hates the idea of missing out on the presence of any one person in our group, much less an entire half of the group! Our community would seem so incomplete.

God has created each of us with special and necessary gifts. If you are looking around beating yourself up because you don’t act, think, or have gifts like other people you admire, you are missing the point. Your value does not come from conforming to others, it comes from the uniqueness that God has given you. No one can serve the body exactly in the same way that you can. If you are not involved in some way, shape or form, you are denying the body of certain benefits that only you can bring. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t times where we need to rest—the goal is not a constant state of flurry. However, the gifts that are God-given are so deeply a part of who we are, we will usually find that our efforts are life-giving and energizing rather than draining. The great thing about the gifts of people in my Life Group is that, most of the time, they don’t even realize that they are giving anything. They are just being themselves, in genuine relationship with others, and God is using that to bless the people around them. Step into genuine relationship with others in the body of Christ and see what happens! You may be amazed to find out what God will do through you.

Scripture:
• Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-20

Reflection:
• Have you ever found that you did something that touched someone else’s life and you didn’t even know about it until after the fact? What are the things that you naturally find yourself doing that other people tend to appreciate about you? What things give you energy or joy?

Practice:
• Have a conversation with your Life Group or a friend or two. Share what unique qualities you see in the other person. What does this person bring to your life / Life Group that no one else does in the same way? How do you see God using that uniqueness?