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Living Free - September 14, 2016

Passion and Gifts

Today's Scripture

"In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." (Romans 12:6-8 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

God has equipped us to accomplish his unique plan and purpose for us. Today's scripture passage indicates how he wires each of us uniquely to have passion for various ways to serve.

When you are serving God using the gifts he has given you, your passion will grow. You will be excited about what he is doing through you. If you prophesy, speak out with faith. If one of your gifts is serving, serve well. Be enthusiastic! If you are a teacher, teach well. Be diligent and caring. If your gift is giving, give generously and cheerfully. Remember, God loves a cheerful giver. Has God given you leadership ability? Don't run from it. Assume that responsibility seriously, trusting God to help you. If your gift is for showing kindness, do it gladly. You may be surprised how many people God will place in your path who need that special touch of kindness.

Consider this …

Jesus had a holy passion for the cross to free us from the power of sin. What motivated that passion? Love.

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans 12:9-10 NLT)

These verses follow Paul's description of the gifts. They remind us that our primary focus should not be on passion, our personal traits, or even gifts, but on love. Our passion about serving God in the various ways must be motivated by love. Love for God. Love for others. The giving kind of love Jesus has for us.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the gifts you've given me. Help me serve you well and passionately. Above all help me be motivated by love. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from . . .

Where is the Image of God in You? by Brad Rymer. The purpose of this study is for us to see how some of the different character traits we have can be used in constructive rather than destructive ways in our lives and relationships so that we are operating more and more in the image of God according to the way He created us. Also, this study can help us better understand others as we build godly relationships. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.  

 

 

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Christianity / Devotionals / Living Free Every Day / Living Free - September 14, 2016