Embracing Your Gifts

Romans 12:7-13 (NLT) "If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality."

Good morning, Ekklesia Family! Today, we look into a powerful passage from Romans 12:7-13, where Paul outlines practical steps for living out our faith through our unique gifts and the love we show one another.

Paul emphasizes the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, urging us to embrace our roles with enthusiasm and dedication. Whether we are called to serve, teach, encourage, give, lead, or show kindness, each gift is vital to the flourishing of our community.

At Ekklesia, our calling to reflect the image of Christ means embodying genuine love and active service. True love is not passive or pretentious; it is sincere and fervent. We are called to abhor evil and cling to what is good, cultivating an environment where God's love is palpable.

Let us be a community that works diligently and serves the Lord with fervor. Our confident hope in Christ should fuel our patience in trials and persistence in prayer. As we look out for one another's needs, let's practice hospitality eagerly, welcoming others as Christ has welcomed us.

Embrace Your Gift: Identify and cultivate the gifts God has given you. Serve, teach, encourage, give generously, lead with integrity, and show kindness joyfully.

Genuine Love: Show real, heartfelt love to those around you. Engage in acts of kindness and honor one another.

Diligence and Enthusiasm: Serve the Lord with enthusiasm, and remain steadfast in prayer, especially in challenging times.

Hospitality: Be ready to help and welcome others, creating a warm, inclusive environment.As we live out these principles, we embody the very heart of Christ, making a profound impact on our church and beyond.

LoveUmorethanUknow Pastor Stephän Kirby