How can we encourage others to embrace their spiritual gifts as in Acts 2:18? Foundational Promise in Acts 2:18 “Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.” (Acts 2:18) The risen Lord pours out His Spirit on every believer—male and female, young and old—so that each can minister powerfully. Embracing spiritual gifts, then, is not optional; it is obedience to a divine promise. Recognizing the Source of Every Gift • “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:4) • “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” (James 1:17) Affirming that God Himself gives and empowers the gifts keeps the focus on His glory, removes intimidation, and builds confidence in those who feel inadequate. Cultivating an Atmosphere That Welcomes Gifts • Celebrate testimonies of God’s work; stories breed expectation. • Teach consistently on spiritual gifts from passages like 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12. • Model openness to the Spirit in worship and fellowship so others see gifts in action. • Use affirming language: “I see God using you when…” rather than “You should try….” Practical Steps to Encourage Others • Identify evidence of a gift and speak it out kindly and specifically. • Provide low-risk ministry opportunities (small groups, outreach teams, prayer meetings) where gifts can be tested and refined. • Pair emerging servants with mature believers for mentoring (2 Timothy 2:2). • Offer training sessions or workshops on prophecy, serving, giving, mercy, and more. • Celebrate progress publicly—highlight faithfulness, not perfection. Guardrails for Discernment • “Do not extinguish the Spirit. Test all things; hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21) • “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) Encourage healthy evaluation: align every manifestation with Scripture, the character of Christ, and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Celebrating the Diversity of Gifts • Romans 12:4-8 lists prophecy, serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading, and mercy—each vital to the body. • 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 reminds us that no part can say to another, “I don’t need you.” • Regularly rotate testimonies and service roles so the congregation sees many gifts at work. Keeping the Focus on Christ “Whoever serves must serve with the strength God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:11) When Christ remains central, spiritual gifts cease to be badges of status and become channels of grace. Encouraging others, then, is simply inviting them to join the Spirit’s ongoing fulfillment of Acts 2:18 in our day. |
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