What is the gift of showing mercy?

What is showing mercy?  You would think all people have the ability to show compassion or mercy to another human being.  In reality though, some people just have a tough time expressing themselves in certain difficult situations, while others seem to have that certain giftedness for helping people cope with their hardships.  How many people do you know who do not like visiting nursing homes, hospitals, etc.?  Most people do not necessarily dislike their friends and loved ones in these institutions.  However, they can become overwhelmed by the debilitating toll that certain sicknesses and/or diseases are inflicting upon their friends and loved ones, because it seems as though there is nothing they can say or do to make the situation better…other than pray to God.  Then you have certain group of other people who often feel compelled to work around these same people, as they go through difficult times, by showing them mercy and trying to help them improve their quality of life, even though they often cannot fix their ailments.

The Apostle Paul includes the gift of showing mercy in his letter to the Romans.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many from one body, and each member belongs to the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is…showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully….” (Romans 12:4-6, 8 NIV)

One of the most important things people can do by showing compassion to others is spending time with them and not treating them indifferently.  The gift of showing mercy is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to reach out to people going through difficult times and be sincerely concerned for their needs as a demonstration of God’s love.  Jesus Christ gave one of the best examples of compassion when he touched a person with leprosy – a person deemed untouchable at that time in history, due to the possible spread of the disease.

“A man with leprosy came to him [Jesus Christ] and begged him on his knees, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean.’  Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man.  ‘I am willing,’ he said.  ‘Be Clean!”  Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.” (Mark 1:40-42 NIV)

There are many ways believers can use the gift of showing mercy today, be it showing compassion to the congregation in their singing roles on a worship team or visiting shut-in individuals confined to their individual homes, hospitals or nursing homes.  Overall, one key factor that separates the gift of showing mercy from other spiritual gifts is the touch of human compassion.  Many believers will often try to show compassion for others by praying for them.  However, believers entrusted with the gift of compassion will take the time to pray with others and interact with them…regardless of their ailments or physical conditions.  

What is the gift of shepherding?

The Word of God is full of examples of shepherding or pastoring.  The Apostle Peter compared the elders of the church to being shepherds, as he outlined the responsibilities of caring for the portion of God’s flock under their care.  Likewise, Peter also referred to Jesus Christ as the Chief Shepherd of God’s overall flock of followers.  Of course not all Biblical references of shepherding refer to official positions such as elders of the church.  For example, various Old Testament prophets often referred to pastors in a general term that also included magistrates, civil leaders and so on.  In the New Testament, the Apostle Titus taught that the older women should train the younger women to do what is good.

 

The gift of shepherding is included among the spiritual gifts in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it…It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up unit we all reach unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:7, 11-13 NIV)

The gift of shepherding, or pastoring, plays an important role in churches today, especially since many churches are led by pastors, worship pastors, youth pastors and like manner.  However, the function or role of the pastor is not necessarily synonymous with the gift of shepherding or pastoring.  The Apostle Timothy indicates that the gift of pastoring is only one of the prerequisites for serving as an overseer in a church, along with other spiritual gifts such as leading and teaching.  Does this mean that churches must be led by pastors who are also gifted in leadership and teaching?  Of course not, look around and ask yourself how many churches are led by people who are solely gifted as teachers, pastors or leaders.  However, if an overseer of a church has not been entrusted with all three gifts – leadership, pastoring and teaching – he or she should consider working with someone who can help complement his or her strengths and weaknesses for the purpose of edifying the church.

 

As for believers entrusted with the gift of pastoring, who are not in any leadership roles, you will often find that God may have placed them in a situation where the Holy Spirit is already using them as a positive influence on others within their current sphere of influence.  For instance, the Apostle Titus gives the example of the older women caring for the younger women.  In reality, many of us have probably know of people who are working behind the scenes and quietly guiding our friends and loved ones in their walk with the Lord.  Just think of the difference one person can make within their sphere of influence.

Regardless, whether you classify the gift of shepherding as an official position or as a gift entrusted to various believers, the role of shepherding comes with many responsibilities.  The Apostle Peter touches on a few of the responsibilities with the following words.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (I Peter 5:2-3 NIV)

The Prophet Ezekiel also spoke the following words of the Lord against the shepherds of Israel who were trying to control and manipulate the people, instead of leading them gently and by example.

“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:  Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves!  Should not shepherds take care of the flock?  You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock.  You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured.  You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost.  You have ruled them harshly and brutally....’” (Ezekiel 34:2-4 NIV)

The spiritual gift of shepherding, or guiding others, is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to watch over the spiritual welfare of others and bring them into fellowship with one another.  Believers entrusted with this gift should have a desire to help guide others out of a passion of wanting to help others, not any ulterior motives.  Overall, the Holy Spirit can use believers at where they are in life with the gift of shepherding, regardless if they are in a pastoral leadership role or not, to take watch over a group of people and help guide them down a path of righteousness for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God.

What is the gift of prophecy?

Examples of prophecy, or the foretelling of the future, are found throughout the Word of God.  There are numerous Old Testament prophets as well as many books of the Old Testament written by prophets.  The New Testament includes many references about believers prophesying, to include listing it as a spiritual gift which the Apostle Paul ranks as greater importance than many of the other spiritual gifts.  What then is the gift of prophecy?

The Apostle Paul includes the gift of miracles in his letter to the Romans as well as the Corinthians.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many from one body, and each member belongs to the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.” (Romans 12:4-6 NIV)

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given though the Spirit the message of wisdom…to another prophecy…and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All of these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (I Corinthians 12:4-8, 10-11 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.  Are all apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers?  Do all work miracles?  Do all have gifts of healing?  Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret?  But eagerly desire the greater gifts? (I Corinthians 12:27-30 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

Basically, the spiritual gift of prophecy is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to strengthen, encourage and comfort others by explaining how the sovereign providence of God impacts current as well as future events around our world.  On the surface, prophecy may have similarities to other spiritual gifts, such as teaching.  However, the Apostle Paul separates prophecy from the other spiritual gifts and ranks it as having greater importance than several of the other spiritual gifts, since it helps edify the church…not individual believers. (I Corinthians 14:5-6 NIV)

Overall, the spiritual gift of prophecy remains vitally important in churches today, especially with the ever-changing world events around us.  The gift of prophecy serves a distinctly unique purpose for the church in that it empowers believers to have a greater understanding of God’s intricate involvement in the world around us.  As a result, the Holy Spirit entrusts many believers with the gift of prophecy for the purpose of helping others understand God’s sovereign providence in relation to our lives and the ongoing world events.

What is the gift of miracles?

Throughout the Word of God you find numerous examples of miracles.  In the beginning of the Bible, you see God creating the earth and everything within it, Noah preparing an ark for the great flood, and Moses parting the Red Sea.  In the New Testament, you find Jesus Christ feeding the multitudes, changing water into wine, walking on water, along with many more wondrous acts.  There are many more examples of miracles.  What then is the spiritual gift of miracles?

The Apostle Paul includes the gift of miracles in his letter to the Corinthians.

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given though the Spirit the message of wisdom…to another miraculous powers…and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All of these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (I Corinthians 12:4-8, 10-11 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.  Are all apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers?  Do all work miracles?  Do all have gifts of healing?  Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret?  But eagerly desire the greater gifts? (I Corinthians 12:27-30 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

One common theme among miracles is how individuals entrusted with the spiritual gift of miracles will feel led by the Holy Spirit to turn ordinary events into awe-inspiring marvels for the purpose of validating servants of the Lord and for glorifying God.  In other words, the Holy Spirit guides believers to use supernatural powers to authenticate God’s providence.  However, miracles in themselves do not necessarily produce faith.

For example, Jesus Christ’s first disciples (Simon Peter, James and John) decided to follow him after they returned an unproductive night of fishing and Jesus demonstrated how they could miraculously catch a large amount of fish…just by casting their fishing nets to the other side and making a catch so large that caused both of their fishing boats to start sinking.  Jesus Christ later instructed the disciples, “Come, follow me…and I will make you fishers of men.” (Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 4:19 NIV)  On the contrary, Jesus Christ performed many miracles, with many who decided to put their faith in him, yet there were many people who still would not believe in him. (Matthew 11:20; John 11:45-46; 12:37)

 

So in a sense, miracles are not an end goal to meet all means for reaching people.  Rather, miracles are only a means of reaching the end goal of sharing the message of God’s love with others.  Thus, everyone does not have the same spiritual gift or gifts (i.e., miracles, healing, evangelism, etc.), since each spiritual gift serves a unique purpose towards the overall vision of the church. 

What is the gift of ministering?

Ministering, or helping others, is a very common spiritual gift found in churches.  Many believers like to minister and help others within churches by working behind the scenes, with most people not even knowing about their efforts.  On the other hand, you have believers who visibly serve others within the church be it serving in a ministry, or just plain helping out where someone needs an extra hand.  Yet, you still have the function of ministering in an official capacity…often referred to as ministers, servers, or deacons.  Neither method of ministering or helping others is inferior to the other…but rather they are just various roles with different responsibilities. 

For example, you have certain individuals who volunteer hours of their personal time to clean, maintain and/or repair church facilities, when nobody is in the building, or maybe they work a sound booth in the back of the church during the services.  Too often, their efforts go unnoticed to others within the church; however, many of these people prefer to keep a low-profile.  On the other extreme, you have many believers who visibly minister and help others during the normal hours of the church services and activities.  On the surface, the only difference between these ministering roles seems to be the personality temperaments of the people, whether they are extroverts or introverts.  However, the Holy Spirit ultimately decides who he will use for any role, regardless of his or her personality temperament. 

The Apostle Paul includes the gift of ministering or helping twice in his letters, once to the Romans and the other to the Corinthians.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many from one body, and each member belongs to the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is…serving, let him serve….” (Romans 12:4-7 NIV)

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others….” (I Corinthians 12:27-28 NIV)

The spiritual gift of ministering is not necessarily synonymous with the function of ministering, in that a deacon, server or minister are usually held to higher leadership standards than someone volunteering in a non-leadership role.  The Apostle Paul makes this standard clear in his letter to Timothy.

“Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.  They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.  They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.” (I Timothy 3:8-10 NIV)

Overall, the spiritual gift of ministering, or helps, is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to attend to the needs of others for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God.  There are many believers who have the gift within our churches.  Some of these believers are in church leadership positions, while others just find a niche to serve within the church – whether openly or behind the scenes.  Of course you still have others, with the gift of ministering as well as the gift of apostleship, which may represent their local churches and/or denominations/affiliations as traveling ministers sharing their God-given talents and gifts to others in different areas of the world.  Regardless, ministering to others serves as a testimony of God’s love. 

What is the gift of leadership?

Who actually leads a church?  Is it a pastor, a church board, or a religious affiliation/denomination?  Should the believer have an extroverted or introverted personality temperament?  How is the gift of leadership relevant to the local church?

The Apostle Paul includes the gift of leadership in his letter to the Romans as well as to the Corinthians.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many from one body, and each member belongs to the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith…if it is leadership, let him govern diligently….” (Romans 12:4-6, 8 NIV)

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.  Are all apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers?  Do all work miracles?  Do all have gifts of healing?  Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret?  But eagerly desire the greater gifts? (I Corinthians 12:27-30 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

In the Old Testament, when Moses left the Israelites for a length of time to talk with God on Mount Sinai, the Israelites lost sense of God’s vision and decided to build a golden calf to worship their own gods.  The Israelites said, “…Come, make us gods who will go before us.  As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.” (Exodus 32:1 NIV)  King David understood the responsibility of being a God-fearing leader with the words, “Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies – make straight your way before me. (Psalm 5:8 NIV)  King Solomon also reiterated this same concept by warning against the lack of leadership, “Where there is no vision, the people perish….” (Proverbs 29:18 KJV)

 

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul indicates that an overseer of a church should have the ability to lead others with all honesty.  He makes this clear with the following words and subsequent rhetorical question.  “…If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer…He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respects. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)” (I Timothy 3:1, 4-5 NIV)  In other words, people need a leader who can cast God’s vision for their lives as well as the local church.

God has chosen many people over the years to lead his people.  Moses led the Israelites out of their oppression in Egypt. (Exodus 14:15-18, 29-31)  Years later, as the Israelites cried out for help from their oppression, they were helped by Deborah, a prophetess who was leading Israel at that time. (Judges 4:3-5)  In the New Testament, God still uses leaders to watch over his flock, be it as an overseer or pastor of a church, an administrative person or church board member, or a person of faith leading in a civil position of responsibility.  In summary, the spiritual gift of leadership, or governments, is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to diligently lead others and/or an organization by perseverance and adherence to the Word of God. 

What is the gift of interpretation of tongues?

Within many churches you will hear about how believers speak in tongues, be it referenced to as the baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in a prayer language or like manner.  What role does the spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues play in churches?  Is the interpretation of tongues synonymous with speaking in tongues?

In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he includes the spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues as a separate gift from the gift of speaking in tongues.

 “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given though the Spirit the message of wisdom…to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All of these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.” (I Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV)

Likewise, the Apostle Paul used rhetorical questioning to indicate that the interpretation of tongues is distinctly separate from the other spiritual gifts.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.  Are all apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers?  Do all work miracles?  Do all have gifts of healing?  Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret?  But eagerly desire the greater gifts?” (I Corinthians 12:27-30 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

The Apostle Paul later explains how the interpretation of tongues plays an important role for having orderly worship, especially since publicly speaking in tongues is meaningless to a church congregation unless an interpreter is present.  In similar manner, Scripture also teaches that some believers may reach a point of excitement where they may experience speaking in ecstatic utterances of praise during their personal time of worship and/or prayer.  Nevertheless, the Apostle Paul’s letter emphasizes the importance of having order while having these experiences during church services. 

“For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.  Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit…He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he prophesies edifies the church.  I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy.  He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.”  (I Corinthians 14:2, 4-5 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

 

“Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?  Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes?  Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?  So it is with you.  Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying?  You will just be speaking into the air…For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says.” (I Corinthians 14:6-9 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

 

“What then shall we say, brothers?  When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.  All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.  If anyone speaks in a tongue, two – or at the most three – should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.  If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.  Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.  But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (I Corinthians 14:26-28, 39-40 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

 

In summary, the spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues, or the translation of languages, is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to miraculously translate the words of another believer speaking in an unfamiliar language and/or dialect, otherwise known as speaking in tongues.  The interpretation of tongues is not normally practiced as much as it was during the days of the original church.  However, believers should still familiarize themselves with the guidelines for this gift, in the event that the Holy Spirit may guide a believer or believers to speak in tongues during a church service.  Overall, the most important role of this gift is ensuring that the message of salvation is spread and related to others in an understandable manner…for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God.

What is the gift of healing?

In various churches you may have personally witnessed or heard about services where people lay their hands on others for the purpose of healing them.  Are these examples of the spiritual gift of healing?  The New Testament gives many different examples about people healing others.  For example, Saint Mark described how the people of Capernaum brought all of the sick and demon-possessed to Jesus Christ so he could heal them. (Mark 1:29-34)  Saint Matthew also explains how Jesus Christ went through all the towns and villages teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness. (Matthew 9:35)  Likewise, at the temple gate, the Apostle Peter healed a beggar who was crippled from birth. (Acts 3:1-8)  The Apostle Paul also healed the illnesses of the sick and removed the evil spirits from them. (Acts 19:11-12)

 

On the contrary, all people who heal others are not necessarily ordained from God.  The Apostle Paul interacted with sorcerers and false prophets during his travels. (Acts 8:9; 13:6-8)  Even during the days of Moses, sorcerers and magicians existed. (Exodus 7:11)  Jesus Christ himself was also accused of driving out demons, on behalf of the demons themselves. (Matthew 12:22-24)  This helps explain why we later find Saint John teaching the following, “…test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (I John 4:1 NIV)

Interesting enough, the gift of healing does have its limitations, in that it does not heal all illnesses and it is not dependent upon the recipient’s faith.  Why did the Apostle Paul instruct Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach and frequent illnesses…instead of healing him? (I Timothy 5:23)  Why did the Apostle Paul suffer illnesses himself, even though he prayed for God to take them away? (II Corinthians 12:5, 7-10; Galatians 4:13-14)  Why did the people bring the sick into the streets and lay them on beds and mats in hopes that at least the Apostle Peter’s shadow may fall upon them? (Acts 5:15)

 

As for the gift of healing, the Apostle Paul includes the gift in his letter to the Corinthians.

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given though the Spirit the message of wisdom…to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit…and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All of these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (I Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.  And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.  Are all apostles?  Are all prophets?  Are all teachers?  Do all work miracles?  Do all have gifts of healing?  Do all speak in tongues?  Do all interpret?  But eagerly desire the greater gifts? (I Corinthians 12:27-30 NIV, italics added for emphasis)

In other words, the spiritual gift of healing is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to miraculously cure a person’s illness, regardless of his or her faith in God.  Does the gift of healing exist today?  Definitely not in the same capacity as it was around the days of the Pentecost, when the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. (Acts 5:12)  You may hear about healing services going on in today’s churches, but ask yourself – does the person with the gift of healing claim to heal all people or does he or she believe the healing is based off the recipient’s faith in God?  Overall, most people who pray for healing – by the laying on of hands on another believer – are usually praying to God on behalf of that person for divine intervention…not utilizing the spiritual gift of healing.  Ultimately, God determines when he will use the spiritual gift of healing in our churches and whom he will use it through.

What is the gift of giving?

The New Testament teaches that believers should give out of thankfulness and gratitude to God – not obligation – for all of the blessings he has bestowed upon us.  Saint John explains how God gave the gift of everlasting life for all who believe in him with the words, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)  Scripture teaches believers are entrusted to be good stewards of their time, resources, talents and gifts, as an expression of their love toward God.  As for the giving of our monetary resources, the Apostle Paul teaches believers should collectively give back a portion of their money to the work of the Lord.  “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (II Corinthians 9:7 NIV)

 

As for the spiritual gift of giving, the Apostle Paul includes this gift in his letter to the Romans.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many from one body, and each member belongs to the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is…contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously….” (Romans 12:4-6, 8 NIV)

The spiritual gift of giving, or imparting, is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to generously contribute to the needs of others from the abundance of his or her resources.  An individual entrusted with the spiritual gift of giving feels led by the Holy Spirit to generously give of his or her resources, in a sincere manner, to the needs of others for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God.  Believers who have the gift of giving often remain discreet in their actions, to avoid bringing attention to themselves…so God gets the glory.  Saint Matthew records how Jesus Christ himself warned people against the hypocrisy of drawing attention to themselves while giving to the needy.

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them.  If you do, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.  So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men.  I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:1-4 NIV)

In other words, the Holy Spirit has entrusted many believers with the spiritual gift of giving, which is often alive and well in many churches.  Although, many people often do not even realize that the gift of giving is present within their churches, since believers who are entrusted with this gift often prefer to keep their anonymity.  Nevertheless, God can accomplish many wonderful things through believers, entrusted with the gift of giving, who understand the significant monetary contributions they can make to the work of the Lord…be it helping start new churches, financially blessing struggling churches, giving land for a church building, purchasing building materials for a new church building, or whatever cause the Lord may lay on their hearts.        

What is the gift of faith?

Faith, or the reliance upon God, is an intricate part of every believer’s life.  The author of Hebrews explains this very principle with the words, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV)  However, the spiritual gift of faith involves the Holy Spirit entrusting a believer with a surmountable amount of belief for overcoming seemingly overwhelming obstacles.

The Apostle Paul includes the gift of faith in his letter to the Corinthians.

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  To one there is given though the Spirit the message of wisdom…to another faith by the same Spirit…and to still another the interpretation of tongues.  All of these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (I Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV)

In the New Testament, we find a man who approached the disciples for healing his son from seizures, but the disciples were unable to heal the boy.  The same man later approached Jesus Christ in a crowd and asked him to have mercy on his son.  Jesus Christ had the man bring his son to him and Jesus healed him at that moment.  The disciples later approached Jesus Christ in private and asked him why they could not drive out the same demons from the boy and Jesus responded with the following words.

“Because you have so little faith.  I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20-21 NIV)

Jesus Christ later used a similar analogy about faith after his disciples questioned him about a fig tree he withered in front of them.

“I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.  (Matthew 21:21-22 NIV)

 

Jesus Christ compares a believer’s initial faith to the relatively small size of a mustard seed.  As a mustard seed grows, much like a believer’s faith, it grows into one of the largest of the garden plants.  Believers with the gift of faith our great visionaries for the local church, since they can envision God doing the impossible…such as starting churches in the least likely of places, restoring the lives seemingly unremorseful criminals, or changing the hearts of one our loved ones.  In other words, a believer can start out with very little faith, but as the Holy Spirit entrusts him or her with the gift of faith he or she can help others realize God’s sovereign providence in fulfilling His will on earth.

What is the gift of evangelism?

Evangelism, or the preaching of the gospel, is an essential part of Christianity.   How else can people hear about the message of salvation unless they hear someone proclaiming the gospel?  The Apostle Paul makes this point clear in his letter to the Romans, as he begins by quoting the Prophet Joel’s proclamation [Joel 2:32] of how everyone can be saved and then continues on with rhetorical questions about how we can hear the same message today.

“…, ’Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’  How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?  And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:13-14 NIV)

The Apostle Paul later lists evangelism, among other spiritual gifts, in his letter to the Ephesians.

“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it…It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up unit we all reach unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:7, 11-13 NIV)

The aforementioned passage indicates that the gift of evangelism serves a unique role in relation to the other spiritual gifts such as apostleship, prophesizing, shepherding and teaching.  For instance, the gift of apostleship helps believers serve as ambassadors of the gospel, the gift of teaching helps believers apply the Word of God to their lives, and the gift of prophecy helps believers understand God’s sovereignty.  Similarly, in regard to the gift of evangelism, the Holy Spirit helps believers proclaim the message of salvation to unbelievers, in a manner that results in them putting their faith in God.

On a side note, the function of evangelism is not necessarily synonymous with that of shepherding or vice versa.  For example, you may have a believer with the gift of evangelism, but not the gift of pastoring or shepherding, who serves as a youth pastor and incidentally many young people turning their lives over God.  In this scenario, the church leadership could possibly make the mistake of viewing this youth pastor’s conversion results as being equivalent with shepherding and leadership qualities.  As a result, you may end up in a situation where the church leadership accidentally appoints this youth pastor to a senior pastor leadership position, even though he or she may not have a shepherd’s heart (the spiritual gift of shepherding) in regard to watching over the spiritual welfare of the believers in the church and bringing them into fellowship with one another.

In other words, there are many believers who have the gift of evangelism.  Some of these believers are in church leadership positions as pastors, while others are active members within their congregations and communities.  Yet, you still other believers with the gift of evangelism, as well as the gift of apostleship, who may represent their local churches and/or denominations/affiliations as traveling evangelists spreading the message of salvation to others in different areas of the world.  Regardless, evangelism is an intricate part of the church since people need to hear about the message of gospel…so they can ultimately have the hope of putting their faith in God.   

What is the gift of encouragement?

The theme of encouragement is intertwined throughout the Word of God with our hope for eternal salvation through the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  The Apostle Paul summarizes this point with the words – “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (II Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV)

As for the spiritual gift of encouragement, the Apostle Paul lists the gift in his letter to the Romans.

“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many from one body, and each member belongs to the others.  We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man’s gift is…encouraging, let him encourage….” (Romans 12:4-6, 8 NIV)

One of the greatest examples of a person with the gift of encouragement is a Levite named Joseph, whom the apostles later called Barnabas – the Son of Encouragement – after he sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:36-37)  Barnabas later brought Saul [the Apostle Paul] to the apostles and encouraged them to have Saul join them as one of the apostles, even though they were all afraid of Saul’s past history and doubted the authenticity of his conversion. (Acts 9:26-28)  Barnabas later worked side-by-side with the Apostle Paul and was a great encouragement to him as well as the people around him, evident by his response at Antioch.

“Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews.  Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.  The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.  News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all of their hearts. (Acts 11:19-23 NIV)

      

In summary, encouragement serves as an integral part in the work of the Lord as everyone is encouraged to comfort one another as fellow believers in Jesus Christ.  The Apostle Paul reaffirms this point in his letter to the Thessalonians – “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (I Thessalonians 4:11 NIV)  In similar manner, the Holy Spirit entrusts certain individuals with the spiritual gift of encouragement, as he guides them to provide reassurance and solace to others in helping them reaffirm their faith in God.

What is the gift of discernment?

The concept of discernment is common throughout the Bible.  There are several passages throughout the Word of God warning believers against false teachers along with instructions for them to test the spirits and motives of these individuals, who claim to be speaking on behalf of God.  In the New Testament, we find the gift of discernment included among the gifts of the Holy Spirit with the words – “For to one is given by the Spirit…discerning of spirits….” (I Corinthians 12:8-10 KJV) 

The Prophet Isaiah prophesied against seeking spiritual guidance from mediums and spiritists.

“When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God?  Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?  To the law and to the testimony!  If they do not speak according to this word, they have not light of dawn.” (Isaiah 8:19-20 NIV)  

The Prophet Jeremiah also prophesied against following false prophets.

“This is what the Lord Almighty says:  Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes.  They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord…’I have heard what the prophets say who prophesy lies in my name.  They say, I had a dream!  I had a dream!....’” (Jeremiah 23:16, 25 NIV)

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ himself even warned about false teachers with the following words.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15 NIV)

In addition, the Apostle Paul cautioned the Corinthians against deceptive people posing as believers teaching a different gospel of Christianity.

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.  For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one your received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough…For such men are false apostle, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.  It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.  Their end will be what their actions deserve. (II Corinthians 11:3-4, 13-15 NIV) 

Overall, discernment – or disputation – plays an important role in the church.  The Apostle John warns believers to test the authenticity of professed religious people and leaders with the words – “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (I John 4:1 NIV)  In summary, the Holy Spirit uniquely entrusts certain believers with the gift of discernment and enables them to distinguish the authenticity of the words and motives of professed believers and churches, and whether or not they are derived from God or a counterfeit source.  Ultimately, individuals entrusted with the spiritual gift of discernment keep spiritual leaders and organizations accountable to the tenets of faith found in the Word of God.   

What is the gift of apostleship?

The term apostle is common throughout the New Testament. The twelve disciples of Jesus Christ were referred to as apostles. In a traditional view, the apostles were the official commissioners of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 10:1-4) In similar manner, the Apostle Paul describes how the Holy Spirit has given the gift of apostleship to some believers. In a broader sense, believers entrusted with the gift of apostleship are ambassadors of the gospel. (I Corinthians 12:10, 28-29; Ephesians 4:11)

The spiritual gift of apostleship, or being an ambassador, is when the Holy Spirit guides a believer to leave his or her own local area for the purpose of spreading and relating the message of the gospel to individuals in different areas of the world. An individual entrusted with the spiritual gift of apostleship feels led by the Holy Spirit to participate in mission trips, whether short-term or on a full-time basis, to different areas of the world and/or regions of a country for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God. Many churches often refer to people indwelled with this gift as missionaries.

The Apostle Paul makes it clear that not all believers are called to be ambassadors, since only some believers are entrusted with the gift of apostleship. In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he asks a series of rhetorical questions – “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?” (I Corinthians 12:29 NIV) The Apostle Paul reiterates this same point to the Ephesians with the words, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up….” (Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV)

Believers who are indwelled with the gift of apostleship usually have other spiritual gifts and individual talents that help distinguish their specific type of missionary work. For example, you have missionary church builders who may be talented carpenters with the gifts of apostleship and helps. Similarly, missionary church planters are often entrusted with the gifts of leadership, pastoring and apostleship. The list could easily continue with seemingly endless combinations. So in a sense, being a “missionary” is not necessarily limited to its traditional usage of pastoring and/or teaching people in a foreign country. Rather, the gift of apostleship enables certain believers to venture outside of their local communities and utilize their God-given individual talents and spiritual gifts anywhere in the world as ambassadors of Jesus Christ, be it building/planting churches or reaching out to people in a constructive and meaningful manner that ultimately glorifies God.

How do spiritual gifts differ from individual talents?

When it comes to spiritual gifts and individual talents, some believers may clump the two into one category as though they are synonymous with one another.  In reality, there are several scenarios where people may have individual talents similar to their spiritual gifts.  For example, a church leader may be described as a great teacher and leader, but does this refer to his or her individual talents or gifts or both?  In this scenario, the believer could possibly have the individual talents of teaching and leading as well as the spiritual gifts of teaching and leading.  As a general statement, gifts and talents do have their similarities, but overall there are major differences between the two.

 

People are born with individual talents at their physical birth.  As a figure of speech, some people are referred to as natural-born plumbers and carpenters while others are naturally gifted singers and artists.  Individual talents are virtually unlimited as people continuously keep finding new avenues to express their natural passions for almost everything imaginable underneath the sun.  Obviously, people have physical and cognitive limitations to their talents as newborn infants.  However, as they grow and become exposed to different situations and environments, people tend to have natural inclinations toward certain hobbies and interests as their individual talents manifest themselves.  Due to various circumstances, it may take some people years, or a lifetime, to find their passions.

Concerning spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit entrusts each believer with a gift or gifts at his or her spiritual birth.  In similar manner to individual talents, believers will normally have natural inclinations to different areas of the ministry, while others may need more exposure to different scenarios and environments to find their true callings.  For example, in a typical church service someone may find him or herself restricted because he or she does not have any musical or speaking talent, but that same person could move to another part of the country and find out that the Holy Spirit has entrusted him or her with the gift of evangelism.  So the hypothetical question arises, did this person receive the spiritual gift of evangelism after moving to the new location or was the gift lying dormant from the day of his or spiritual birth?  In similar manner to talents, spiritual gifts may lay dormant in a believer’s life until the Holy Spirit opens the door of opportunity for their unique service in the ministry.

 

Unlike the virtually unlimited number of individual talents, spiritual gifts are broken down into about eighteen different categories…give or take a number or two, depending on how you classify them.  The spiritual gifts can be summarized as follows: apostleship, discernment, encouragement, evangelism, faith, giving, healing, interpretation of tongues, leadership, ministering, miracles, prophecy, shepherding, showing mercy, speaking in tongues, teaching, word of knowledge and word of wisdom. (Romans 12:3-8; I Corinthians 12:1-10, 28-30; Ephesians 4:10-16)

 

Spiritual gifts are for helping others.  In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he explains how the Holy Spirit gave believers various spiritual gifts for the purpose of building up the church as a whole.

“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.  This is why it says:  ‘When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.’… It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:7-8, 11-13 NIV)

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.  From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:14-16 NIV)

In a nutshell, the Holy Spirit uses spiritual gifts as a way to empower our individual talents for the ultimate purpose of glorifying God.  For example, take someone who may be a talented builder and the Holy Spirit empowers that person with the gift of helps and apostleship to serve as a missionary builder for God by building churches – at the cost of materials – for congregations around the country.  If one believer could have that much impact for God’s service, envision what an entire body of believers could do for the glory of God…simply by allowing the Holy Spirit to empower their lives for God’s will. 

How do spiritual gifts relate to the church?

When you go to a church service, what do you see?  Does one person run every aspect of the church, be it the deliverance of the message, direction of the worship program and the ministration of the small groups?  Or are many people involved throughout the entire church service?  Do you find yourself in an environment where you are actively encouraged to participate in almost every facet?  Or does the leadership subtly discourage you from participating in the church service, due to your perceived lack of qualifications or experience in the ministry?

Overall, churches are supposed to help reach out to people with the message of salvation and help people grow in their relationships with God.  Churches are an ideal place to help people grow in their faith, so they can apply the message of God’s love to their own lives as well as their own individual spheres of influence, such as their families, friends and others around them.  In the same thought, church leaders hold a great responsibility in ensuring they provide an environment that fosters spiritual growth for all people, where God has each of them in their spiritual walk.

When people are looking for a church, you can often hear a wide variety of comments concerning their impressions of churches such as, the pastor gives great messages or the worship team is awesome.  On the surface, these sound like great things in a church, but you often have to look beyond the silver lining to see the whole picture.  In some churches, you may have a talented pastor who can do almost every aspect of the church service each week by giving the message, leading the worship and teaching the small groups.  Other churches may have a similar scenario where the same person preaches each week, the same worship group performs every week, and the same person teaches the small groups.  As a result, you may begin to realize there is something wrong with the picture when you notice a pattern of everything revolving around one or two or three persons, even though you have a church full of able-bodied congregants.  What happens when you decide to make the plunge and jump in with both feet in getting involved with the church?  Will there be a place for you if you want to help preach, get involved in the worship team or teach a small group?

So what do you find beyond the silver lining of the church?  Consider what you see when attending an orchestra.  Do you focus on the conductor for the entire show or do you end up listening to the beautiful sound of many instruments harmonizing with one another?  The conductor and instrumentalists play an important role in the performance.  However, the sound of the music does not revolve around any one individual or instrument, but rather as the whole group coming together for one purpose or goal.  The same premise basically applies to the church.  Does the congregation perceive that the church service revolves around one leader or small group of leaders, or instead, do they see the church coming together for the purpose of sharing the message of God’s love in an unadulterated manner?

In the Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Corinthians he explains this same concept about spiritual gifts in the church.  The Apostle Paul explains that every believer plays an important part within the church, no matter how major or minor his or her role.

 “Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.  If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.  And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body.  If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?  If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?  But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.  If they were all one part, where would the body be?  As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” (I Corinthians 12:14-10 NIV)

Overall, we need to remember that every single believer plays an important role in God’s church, regardless of his or her stature.  As the Apostle Paul says, we can speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but if we do not have love, we are like a resounding gong or clanging cymbal. (I Corinthians 13:1)  Likewise, the importance of genuinely loving others is of vital importance to our churches, since each and every believer has been entrusted with a spiritual gift or gifts according to God’s purpose.     

How do we move forward when life changes?

How do we continue moving on when life changes unexpectedly?  Obviously, we have to “keep swimming – or start sinking.”  Do we just trudge forward blindly and try to make things work on our own?  Or do we take a moment, pray about the situation, and seek God’s direction for our lives?  Sometimes God uses these life changing moments to get our attention, in order that we get our priorities of life back on track…especially since life is a gift that should not be squandered.   

What we initially see as a roadblock, such as losing a job, may easily end up being a blessing in disguise.  When God closes one door, we have to carefully pray about the situation as we wait for him to open another door or doors.  Metaphorically speaking, we can rattle the handles of different doors to see which doors are stuck shut and which doors open, even if we only catch a glimpse of what is behind the door.  Occasionally, God will give us a few open doors and make us decide our future destiny, even though everything may not be as it appears on the surface.  For example, one door may provide immediate monetary gain at the expense of your family and another door may provide you the opportunity to have a stable family life at the possible expense of financial security. 

Jesus Christ made it clear that sometimes we have to make life changing decisions in our lives, with the following words.

“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”  (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV)   

Interesting enough, some people may perceive losing a job as a roadblock and the only way out of the situation is to get a better job.  However, other people may see a job loss only as a temporary setback since it allows them the opportunity to bond closer with their family members and try new things in life, such as possibly starting a business or serving fulltime in the ministry.  There is nothing wrong with trying to get a better job, as long as it does not negatively impact your personal relationship with God.

The following words of Jesus Christ help us better understand what open doors we should choose for our personal lives, especially when it comes to choosing new career paths.

“No one can serve two masters.  Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 7:24 NIV)

Overall, we need to make sure God is the center of our lives for all decisions and be content wherever he places us at different stages of our lives.  The author of Hebrews tells us – “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV)  James reminds us how Job, an Old Testament patriarch, persevered while enduring numerous hardships and how God later blessed him for his obedience. (James 5:11; Job 1; 2:1-10; 42:10, 12) 

As for a closing thought, the Apostle Paul explains how everything works together for God’s purpose with the words – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

How do we handle life changes?

When life happens – and changes – how do we handle it?  When things change for the better, such as getting a job promotion, we can easily praise God and express our gratitude.  Conversely, we can easily get lost in our successes and possibly forget how God has blessed our path.  What do we do when our life seems to fall apart, like losing a job in a troubled economy?  Do we still have that same zeal for God or do we resent the situation? 

As people face struggles, especially financial struggles, sometimes they feel as though withdrawing seems to be the best answer, be it avoiding family, friends, church and/or God.  When people tighten their belts to accommodate shrinking budgets, the feelings of awkwardness can become overwhelming as their limited finances may make it difficult to dine out, enjoy outside entertainment or financially contribute to their church.  The perception of switching roles from a provider to a recipient can be an extremely humbling experience for some people, no matter how temporary the situation.    

Life happens to everyone around us, whether good or bad.  When it comes to our jobs, sometimes we can make the mistake of identifying ourselves with our occupations, instead of our niches and interests in life as well as our relationship with God.  Basically, a job is only a means of supporting ourselves and/or our families, not our ultimate goal in life.  Although people going through hard times may find it difficult to see God’s providence through the process, the Apostle Paul tells us how God may use these circumstances to make us a better person.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.  And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:1-5 NIV) 

Nevertheless, as believers, we need to remember life is a gift and we should be content in whatever situation God places us. (I Timothy 6:6-8)  God will never give us more than we can bear, even though we may not even know our own limits or stamina to endure. (I Corinthians 10:13)  The Prophet Isaiah uses the analogy of the potter and the clay to describe our relationship with God. (Isaiah 64:8)  Whereas, sometimes we just do not know the reason why things happen, but the way we respond to any given situation defines our character.

What does the Bible teach about giving?

What does Scripture teach about giving back to God?  Does the motivation for our giving matter?  Should believers systematically and/ or proportionately give based off an Old Testament ordinance?  Or do we give back out of a grateful heart, as the Holy Spirit guides our lives?  Is giving back limited to our resources?  Or does it include other things such as our time, individual talents, and spiritual gifts?

The theme of the New Covenant is basically summarized with the following words of Saint John – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)  In other words, we give back out of thankfulness and gratitude to God.  Giving of our resources is only one aspect of giving back.  Throughout the Word of God there is no single set standard for giving back to God, other than having a pure heart and the proper motives.  In the Book of Psalms, we find King David describing how a clean conscience before the Lord is an important part of any offering or sacrifice.  The Apostle Paul reiterates this point by saying how we can offer up ourselves as living sacrifices as our spiritual act of worship.   

“Oh Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.  You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalms 51:15-17 NIV)

“O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me.  Hear my voice when I call to you.  May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” (Psalms 141:1-1 NIV)

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is you spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2 NIV)

Scripture goes on to tell us that we no longer have the need for a temporal priesthood to make daily offerings to God on our behalf, since we have permanent priest [Jesus Christ] who made a one-time sacrifice by offering his life for the sins of the world.  As a result, we are no longer under the Law of the Old Covenant, to include having priests offer daily sacrifices as a propitiation for our sins.  Thus, the Old Testament ordinance of tithing has been made null and void by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.   

“Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.  Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, be he always live to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:23-25 NIV)

Some would say that the Old Testament tithe – ten percent of everything from the Israelites’ land, herds and flocks – should be the starting point for giving, which many equate to ten percent of one’s income.  However, this position has several concerns as well as possible unintended consequences against the church.  For starters, the Old Testament tithe was strictly restricted to a tenth of everything from the Israelites’ land, herds and flock. (Leviticus 27:1-2, 30, 32)  Ninety percent of the tithe actually stayed with the Levites as part of their inheritance and rotational part-time temple duties, since their tribe did not receive any land inheritance in Israel. (Numbers 18:25-26, 28-29)  In addition, the Old Testament tithe did not include the entire harvest from the Israelites’ fields, since it also included an ordinance of gleaning which instructed the harvesters to leave remnants from their harvests in the fields to help feed the poor.  This ordinance was still practiced during the time of Jesus Christ’s ministry, as the gospels record how the Pharisees confronted Jesus Christ while going through the grain fields picking heads of grain with his disciples on the Sabbath. (Deuteronomy 24:19-21; Matthew 12:1-2)  The Israelites who earned an income from a craft or skill gave freewill offerings, not tithes…since tithes always consisted of food.  The poor also gave freewill offerings, as they were never required to tithe.  As a result, suggesting a ten percent starting point for giving disproportionately hurts the poor.  When it came to freewill offerings, the poor still gave less.  Just look at the example of Jesus’ parents giving two turtledoves (or pigeons) instead of a lamb, as an offering, for his purification in the temple?  (Luke 2:24; Leviticus 12:8)

When it comes to giving of one’s resources to God, the percentage is not relevant…but rather the heart or motive.  In the Old Testament, we see how the patriarch Abraham responded to his obligation of giving a one-time war tithe to Melchizedek, the king of Salem.  In response, Abraham refused to personally accept anything from the war spoils, other than what was already eaten or rightfully belonged to the men who served in the battle with him, because he wanted God to have the glory.  (Genesis 14:18-20)  Another patriarch, named Jacob, made a conditional vow to God that he would give a tenth of everything he received, if God blessed him.  However, Scripture does not clarify how Jacob dispersed the tenth or to whom he gave it.  (Genesis 28:18-22)  As for both Abraham and Jacob, neither of them were required to give anything to priest or a temple, since both of them were priests as patriarchs of their own households who built alters and worshipped God directly. (Genesis 12:7-8; 28:18-22)     

In the New Testament, there are various examples of people giving in relation to their motives.  We see the story of the poor widow placing her gift of two small copper coins into the temple treasury.  Jesus Christ used her example of giving to contrast how the rich people gave gifts out of their wealth, while the poor widow gave everything that she had to live on. (Luke 21:1-4)  Jesus Christ also said we should help out the needy for the purpose of glorifying God, not bringing attention to ourselves. (Matthew 6:1-4)  Likewise, the Apostle Paul gave instructions to the Corinthian and Galatian churches to have its congregants set aside a sum of money, in keeping with their income, in order that collections can be taken on the first day of the week for the purpose of helping God’s people. (I Corinthians 16:1)

Overall, when it comes to giving, we need to consider our priorities in life.  First and foremost, we have to take care of our individual relationships with God by placing Him first and foremost in everything, to include our personal financial decisions.  All we need to do is take a look at our personal budgets, beyond the basic needs of sustenance, and see how our personal priorities rank in relation to God’s priorities in our lives.  After we figure out how to prioritize our own lives, we can take those Godly principles and apply them by helping our families understand the importance of having God in our lives.  Once we begin to understand how the Holy Spirit works through our own lives and families, we can better help others learn about God’s grace by giving back to God, our churches, our communities and others.  Giving back involves many aspects, to include our resources, time, individual talents and spiritual gifts.  The Apostle Paul makes it clear that Christian leaders needs know how to manage their own families before taking care of other people, with the rhetorical question – “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?” (I Timothy 3:5 NIV)

In summary, the key motive that distinguishes Christianity from all other world religions is that everything is done out of thankfulness and gratitude to God.  The Apostle Paul reiterates this point by saying, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (II Corinthians 9:7 NIV)  With Jesus Christ as our mediator to God and the Holy Spirit as our comforter writing the laws on our hearts, we must not forget one of the most important aspects of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death…believers can now offer their bodies as living sacrifices directly to God. (Hebrews 9:15; 10:15-16; Romans 12:1-2)  Likewise, once we grasp the reality of being free from the former regulations of the Law, we can realize “…a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.” (Hebrews 7:19 NIV)  Therefore, as a natural response, we will want to reflect God’s love in our lives by giving graciously and abundantly of our time, resources, individual talents and spiritual gifts to help support the work of the Lord, especially within the local church.