“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…” – 1 Peter 4:8-10
Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
Whenever our friend Mark visits, he always gets a “to do” list. He is talented at fixing things. Why mention this? Well, when offering your talents to God (the skills He has given you) it is good to be mindful of your own skills and your level of ability, as well as the needs that are “out there” all around you.
First give to the household of faith. You should know the people in your church well enough to know how to help them or bless them. If you are good at doing taxes, help someone who is struggling. If you are good at general chores, help a single-parent household get that done.
Second, teach your children to get involved as well. Studies estimate that Canadian teenagers spend just over five hours a day on their phone! Imagine if just a portion of that time were spent teaching our youth to bless others, by spending time with a lonely senior, writing a note of encouragement to someone who is sick, or to mow the lawn or trim the hedges of the family down the street that is experiencing sickness.
Third, ask each other, as a matter of accountability, how are you using the talents God has given you to be a blessing to others. You are His workmanship, His greatly gifted ambassador, sent to showcase Jesus’ love to others.
Fourth, while at church, ask God to show you how you (and your family) can possibly serve this week among church members, in your neighbourhood, or beyond.
Suggestions for prayer
Pray that God will reveal to you folks in your church, or your community, who need your help; ask the Spirit of God to give you the grace to offer help with such kindness that the recipients will be able to receive it.
Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart and his wife Carolyn are now in their seventh year living in Moncton, NB. with Redemption Prison Ministry as a pastor in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com