1 Corinthians 12:7 Amplified Bible (AMP)
7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good.
1 Corinthians 7:7 Amplified Bible (AMP)
7 I wish that all the people were as I am; but each person has his own gift from God, one of this kind and one of that.
The Christian life is a supernatural life. For us to function effectively as members of the body of Christ and to be witnesses for Him, we need to be empowered because we cannot do so in our own strength. When Jesus walked on the face of this earth He flowed and operated in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Whether it be faith or the working of miracles and healing, words of knowledge, wisdom or prophesy, Jesus operated in them all at various points in His ministry demonstrating to us the kind of life God has made possible for us to live. Jesus said greater works shall we do.
For us who believe, we have been commissioned to go out and be witnesses for Christ, making disciples of all nations. This requires supernatural empowerment. The disciples were told to tarry in Jerusalem and after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit we begin to see them operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Whether we know it or not, you and I who believe have the gifts of the Holy Spirit resident in us and we must activate them in faith if we are going to be effective witnesses for the kingdom. Just as Paul told Timothy;
1 Timothy 4:14-15 (AMP)
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, [that special endowment] which was intentionally bestowed on you [by the Holy Spirit] through prophetic utterance when the [a]elders laid their hands on you [at your ordination]. 15 Practice and work hard on these things; be absorbed in them [completely occupied in your ministry], so that your progress will be evident to all.
You and I must also practice, work hard and be absorbed in the gifts given to us so that our growth progress and effectiveness may be evident to all.
Reflective Thoughts
Do you know and believe that you have been given a spiritual gift?
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Do you know the gift that you have been given?
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If not begin a journey of discovery as you ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you.
If you know it then practice and work hard, be absorbed in it and use it to edify the body of Christ.
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