“What return shall I make for all the LORD’s benefits to me?” That’s the question we ask when we know we have been loved, saved and continuously blessed by God. How can I say thank you? How can I reply to your love with my love?
One of the great benefits of committing to a congregation of Christ’s people is the way our church helps us answer those questions. Christ Jesus has forgiven me, restored me, included me in his purposes of love for the world. How can I say thanks? The church replies, “Come lift your voice in worship with us! Come give and receive from fellow believers. Come discover practical ways you can be sent to show Christ’s love.” We are a community that renders thanks to God the Father for giving us Jesus Christ his Son and putting his Spirit within us.
Peter tells us how this works. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” God shares his beautiful grace through his people. His glory gets made known through all the ways we offer back from what we have received. This can be setting up chairs or teaching Bible stories. Hospitality or administering. Preaching or cleaning. Changing babies or singing. Giving money or spending time. Studying or painting. Or all of the above and many other ways as well. We give glory to our glorious God as we adorn him through the ways we offer back ourselves.
As you look through the catalog link below, rejoice in all the ways hundreds of us are already stewarding grace. There's a kaleidoscope of ways we make a return to God. Consider how you are part of all of this.
No all of us are aware of our spiritual gifts. For a brief overview, try giftstest.com. For a more in-depth assessment, check out brucebugbee.com.