“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God which does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:
- In this wisdom from the passage often titled, “Spiritual Gifts,” Apostle Paul reminds us that God is our divine creator, the source of all our divine ideas and creative abilities.
- Spiritual gifts are our divine inheritance. They’re meant to be developed for our personal growth and self-expression, as well as to benefit our communities. When we fully and freely express these gifts, we live the essence of God we are—the same essence that was in Jesus.
- Divine ideas are all the possibilities available to us within the Universe. Everyone has access to divine ideas because everyone is a divine child of God. We can recognize these ideas through prayer, meditation, dreams, and intuition.
- Intuition guides us in discerning our spiritual gifts. We may feel it like a God-nudge, a push to go in a particular direction or an attraction to specific knowledge.
- Sometimes our spiritual gifts are hereditary. For example, generations of farmers devoted to cultivating the land and feeding their neighbors or musicians who entertain through the lyric harmonies of their heritage. Other times these gifts are inspired early in our childhood by something we see or experience, such as a fascination with chemistry or great love for animals.
- Dormant, sublimated, or thwarted spiritual gifts can create disharmony within us, leading to emotional upset and depression, as well as physical illness. Our gifts are to be used as much as possible. So, if we deny them, we also deny the power of God working in and through us—our soul’s expression.
- Demonstration is your evidence of what is or isn’t working in your life.You demonstrate your divinity and the essence of God you are by sharing your spiritual gifts with at least one other person.
- In Healing Letters, a collection of her writings, Metaphysician Myrtle Fillmore teaches that “God is in us as the very life and substance that we use.” Therefore, she recommends that we “think of whatever” we’re “led to do as being God’s work,” knowing and rejoicing” in our “innate ability to accomplish that work… wisely, and to do whatever will benefit ourselves and others.”
Contemplation Questions:
As you reflect on your life and circumstances, ask yourself:
- What are my spiritual gifts?
- List, word map, or illustrate the gifts that are unique to you. Be as specific as possible, such as “I am a fabulous cook. Everyone loves my spinach soufflé.” Or “I am a kind and patient listener. People love to talk to me.”
- In what, if any, ways have I diminished or sublimated these gifts because of my family’s or others’ judgments about them?
- List, word map, or illustrate the ways.
- How do my spiritual gifts:
- preserve and honor my ancestry?
- List, word map, or illustrate all the ways.
- help me overcome and heal harmful aspects of my ancestry’s past.
- List, word map, or illustrate all the ways.
- preserve and honor my ancestry?
- How do my spiritual gifts encourage another generation to share their gifts in healthy, harmonious ways?
- List, word map, or illustrate all the ways.
- What are at least three (3) ways I can nurture and share my spiritual gifts?
- List, word map, or illustrate as much as you imagine.
As you work with this devotional, be loving and gentle with yourself. Remember that you are a divine child of God, filled with the same spirit that was in Jesus. Even if you doubt your gifts, know that they’re meant to be shared. Be assured that you can break a mold, if necessary, as well as carry on tradition, because whatever touches your heart most will also bless the world.
© 2023 – Rev Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.
Photo from Shutterstock by satit_srihin.
Recent Comments