To Aspen Grove Church,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to encourage and uplift you concerning the gifts of the Spirit, which have been freely given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s grace.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:7, "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift." This passage assures us that every believer has received a unique portion of God's grace, specifically designed to equip us for His divine purpose. None of us are without value or calling in the Body of Christ. Each of us has been graced with gifts, not as a result of our own merit, but as an overflow of Christ’s abundant love.
1. The Source of Our Gifts
Our gifts are not self-generated. They come from the hand of Jesus Himself, distributed by the Spirit to each member of the body. Just as Christ descended to the lowest depths and ascended to the highest heavens (Ephesians 4:9-10), He now reigns with all authority, equipping His people to continue His mission on earth. These gifts are not random or accidental but are intentionally given to edify the church and glorify God.
2. The Diversity of Our Gifts
Paul later explains that some are called to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). But these are not the only gifts in operation. 1 Corinthians 12 lists many others, including wisdom, knowledge, healing, and discernment. Romans 12 speaks of serving, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and showing mercy. The beauty of this diversity is that it reflects the very nature of God, who is creative, multi-faceted, and ever-working in various ways. No one gift is greater than another, and no one role is insignificant.
3. The Purpose of Our Gifts
Ephesians 4:12-13 declares that these gifts are given "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God." Our gifts are not for personal glory or self-promotion. They are for building up one another, strengthening the faith of the body, and fostering unity. When one of us operates in our gift, the whole body benefits. If one of us withholds our gift, the whole body feels the loss.
4. The Call to Stewardship
With gifts comes responsibility. Just as Jesus spoke of the faithful servant who was entrusted with talents, so we too are called to be faithful stewards of our spiritual gifts. Let us not bury them out of fear, doubt, or comparison with others. Instead, let us stir up the gifts within us (2 Timothy 1:6) and use them with boldness, knowing that God has empowered us to fulfill His will.
5. Encouragement to Discover and Use Your Gift
Some of you may wonder, "What is my gift?" If that is you, I encourage you to seek God in prayer. Ask Him to reveal it to you. Often, your spiritual gift aligns with the passions God has placed within you. What moves you with compassion? What problems in the world or the church do you feel called to solve? Your gift may already be in operation, and you may not even realize it. Others of you may know your gift but feel unsure or afraid to use it. I challenge you to step out in faith. Trust that God has equipped you for this very reason. The church needs your unique contribution.
Closing Words
Brothers and sisters, I leave you with this encouragement: Walk boldly in your gifting. Do not compare yourself to others, for God has given you a measure that is uniquely yours. Use your gift in love, remembering that it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). Together, let us seek unity, maturity, and love in all things, knowing that as we grow in our gifts, we grow in Christ.
I pray that the Lord strengthens you, fills you with His Spirit, and gives you the confidence to walk in the power of your spiritual gifts. May you find joy and fulfillment as you serve one another in love.
With love and grace,
Bill Doane
Intern Pastor, Aspen Grove Church
