How can we encourage others to recognize and use their spiritual gifts? Grounding Ourselves in the Text “To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:8) Recognizing the Source • Every ability listed in 1 Corinthians 12 flows directly “through the Spirit.” • Because the gifts are God-given, our first step in encouraging others is to cultivate awe for the Giver, not merely admiration for the gifts. • Romans 11:36 reminds us, “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” Emphasize that spiritual gifts are part of those “all things.” Casting a Vision for the Body • Read Romans 12:4-5 with people: “Just as each of us has one body with many members… so in Christ we who are many form one body.” • Explain that every believer is indispensable. The person who thinks, “I’m not needed,” needs Scripture’s vision of mutual interdependence. • Share Ephesians 4:16—“From Him the whole body… grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” This underscores the necessity of each gift. Spotting the Signs of a Gift • Watch for delight: a believer often enjoys what God has equipped them to do (Philippians 2:13). • Look for fruit: recurring effectiveness points to a spiritual enablement (John 15:8). • Notice affirmation: the church regularly recognizes genuine gifting (Acts 11:23-24). Speaking Life into Others • Proverbs 18:21 teaches, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Verbal encouragement is powerful. • When you observe a gift at work, say so specifically: – “I see the Spirit’s wisdom in the way you discerned that situation.” – “Your words brought knowledge to us today; that mirrors 1 Corinthians 12:8.” • Affirmation turns vague suspicion of gifting into confident stewardship (2 Timothy 1:6). Providing Safe Spaces to Practice • Create low-risk environments—small groups, outreach projects, children’s ministry—where people can try their gifts without fear of failure. • Pair newer believers with mature mentors (Titus 2:3-4) who model and debrief experiences. • Celebrate progress publicly; private gifts sometimes need public testimony to flourish (Matthew 5:16). Modeling Humble Use of Gifts • Leaders set the tone: demonstrate service, not self-promotion (Mark 10:45). • When others watch humility coupled with power, they learn that gifts are for God’s glory and the church’s good (1 Peter 4:10-11). Guarding Unity While Gifts Multiply • Diversity can tempt comparison. Keep pointing to 1 Corinthians 12:11—“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.” • Regularly rehearse 1 Corinthians 13; love is the atmosphere in which gifts thrive. • Address jealousy quickly through gentle correction (Galatians 6:1). Inviting Action Today • Share the key passages listed above with at least one believer this week. • Offer a specific opportunity for that person to exercise a suspected gift. • Follow up afterward, providing both encouragement and constructive insight. |
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