Giving Your Gift
Imagine you give someone a gift. You carefully consider the best gift for that specific person and prepare it with love. Now imagine they leave it unopened on a shelf, never using or valuing it.
The gifts God has placed within us are designed to be used, not only to bless and edify us but also to be given to others. They are not finite and are not depleted as we give them. Like the widow who obeyed God’s instruction to feed Elijah, when we give as the Lord directs, the gifts continue to flow. “So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised”. 1 Kings 17:15-16 NLT
When Jesus spoke with the woman at the well, He said, “If you knew the gift of God…” (John 4:10). Jesus was revealing that He was the gift—God’s answer to thirsty hearts, empty souls, and searching lives. He came to bring living water that never runs dry.
How do we give our gifts well?
Give yourself fully.
Make serving a priority
Come prepared – spiritually, physically, and practically
Arrive ready – with a smile and a heart to serve
Come rested in body and refreshed in spirit.
Stay filled -- spend time with the Lord in worship, prayer, and the Word.
We stay refreshed and ready to serve by staying close to Him. Jesus said:
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 NLT
True rest is found in Him. Time in His presence strengthens us for every assignment. When we rest in Him, we can “work willingly at whatever we do” (Colossians 3:23 NLT), serving with joy rather than obligation.
“Freely you have received, freely give”
Matthew 10:8 NKJV.