Romans 12.3-8 Spiritual Gifts to the Church

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.Romans 12:3‭-‬8 NASB

You have a gift. Whether you have ever realized it or not, you have a gift from God so that you can use it to bless the church.

For some, this is no surprise. In fact, verse 3 above addresses the attitude that says, "I have a spectacular gift. Watch me. Sit back and wonder, you mortals, for I am gifted." To which God says, "Don't think more highly of yourself than you ought to think."

God has given each one of us a measure of faith to use our gifts for the collective good of the church.

Faith is an unusual attribute. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5.22). So the closer you draw near to God, the greater will be your faith. It is also a gift (1 Corinthians 12.9). This is different from the fruit of the Spirit, in that God gives a supernatural measure of faith for any given circumstance. You may have experienced this gift if you have prayed, and you know with absolute certainty that it is answered.

The faith spoken of here is neither the fruit of the Spirit, nor the gift of faith. It is a measure of faith that God gives each of us to fulfill our gifts.

This is not measured in terms of greater faith or lesser faith, but only what is needed for the task.

Has God given you faith to hear His prophetic voice? Then exercise the gift of prophecy. Perhaps you get the greatest joy and fulfillment from serving others. You like working in the background, making sure needs are met, and others can use their gifts. Then God has given you the gift of service.

God gives faith for teaching, exhortation (giving words of encouragement). Do you have a gift for earning money? It is for the gift of giving liberally. God also give faith for those who are leaders, and for those who show mercy (that is, to help one who is afflicted, either with illness or circumstance).

The gifts of prophecy and teaching are not greater than the gifts of service and mercy. If you are fulfilling God's gift to you by serving others, your gift is no less than the one who stands before the church and speaks prophetic words.

If you have the gift of giving, God may have allowed you to earn great amounts of money so that you can give freely. Even if you personally give more than half the money the church receives, it does not make you better than the person who is only able drop a dollar in the offering. It is God who give the faith for your gift.

It is like your body. The hand isn't greater than the foot. The eye isn't greater than the ear, and the ear isn't greater than the eye. Rather, each functions as it was designed.

So in the body Christ. None of us is greater than the other. Neither are you lesser. We are each placed according to God's design. You can prove His will by fulfilling your gifts.