There are different kinds of gifts; but they are all from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve; but all these ways are from the same Lord. And there are different ways that God works in people; but all these ways are from the same God. God works in us all in everything we do. Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, to help everyone. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, ICB)
Do you think everyone in the world has the same favorite color? What about the same favorite food? That would be a pretty boring world, wouldn’t it!?
God created each of us to be unique and special — and not like everyone else! We might live in different kinds of houses ... or in places where it rains all the time … or in places where we need heavy snow coats all year long! But there IS one thing God has given to ALL of us, no matter what! Do you know what it is? The Holy Spirit gives each of us special GIFTS we can use to glorify God and tell other people how much Jesus loves them!
Child of God, you are one of a kind, and we all have different gifts we can use to serve the Lord! Do you love writing cards and giving them to your friends and family? Maybe the Holy Spirit is growing in you the gift of encouragement! Do you love to learn something new, like how to ride a bike, and then teach your little brother how to do it? Maybe God has given you the gift of teaching! God gives special gifts to every member of his family, and we are called to use them to show people the love of God. Our gifts are all different, and that is why we need to work together! God made us a family so that we could show the world his love and his forgiveness!
Read
1 Corinthians 12:4–7
Thank God he has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit! (Bonus points challenge: Read these verses in a few different translations of the Bible and see if God shows you NEW things!)
Act
Have each person in your family choose their favorite meal, and plan a night this week to eat it for dinner! If Mom chooses spaghetti, then on Tuesday night while you are eating yummy noodles, take time to talk about the God-given gifts you see in your mom and how you see her using her gifts to serve and glorify the Lord! Make sure every family member gets their own special night! When you pray before your meal, be sure to take a moment to PRAY for the families all over the world living in poverty, that God would provide the food they need.
Pray
Parents, speak this blessing over your children as you go throughout the week:
May you know that the Lord has made you one of a kind, in his image! And that he has given you unique gifts that are to be used to build his kingdom here on earth. May you know that you are loved, dear child! Amen.
Guest devotional by Katy Sundeen, Elementary Pastor at Plum Creek Church in Colorado
