Gifted to Serve

I’ve written today’s devotional in a format that you can use with your family, or for you to simply enjoy on your own. May you be blessed by it, and inspired to serve others even as Christ has served us! 
 
Start by discussing these questions:
1. What comes to mind when you hear the word “serve”? 
 
2. Out of the following list, which spiritual gifts may describe each member of your family? (While not a complete list of spiritual gifts, many of these will apply.)
            Hospitality – the ability to make people feel accepted and welcome
            Leadership – the ability to motivate others toward reaching shared goals
            Wisdom – the ability to offer perspective and guidance to others
            Mercy – the ability to identify with someone and to show compassion
            Giving – the ability to offer whatever you have freely to others
            Helps – the ability to see a need and act to meet it
            Encouragement – the ability to offer a timely word of affirmation
            Teaching – the ability to help others understand God’s Word
            Shepherding – the ability to help others grow personally and spiritually
 
Now read out loud this devotional verse: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
 
Take some time to explain the meaning of the words in this verse.   Spiritual gifts are given to each follower of Christ. The gift that you have received is intended to glorify God and to build others up. The Holy Spirit in your life gives you the strength to use your spiritual gifts in a humble way that gives credit to God, and in a way that serves others as a blessing. The word “serve” in this verse means, literally, “to wait at a table.” When used by Jesus, it means to show love by actions, not just by words. When we serve another person, we show them our love through acts of kindness and helpfulness. Serving demonstrates that we are thinking about the needs of someone else, and not just about what we need. Tying these two ideas together - God gives each of us spiritual gifts so that we can demonstrate our love through service. If you have the gift of encouragement, then show your love by affirming someone. If you have the gift of wisdom, show your love by gently offering guidance that helps someone solve a problem or an issue. 
 
Create a conversation around the following questions:
1. “What are ways that we currently serve each other at home through our spiritual gifts?” (This is an excellent opportunity to affirm the good that is already happening in your home.)
2. What are some new ways we can serve each other at home that use our spiritual gifts and demonstrate love for each other? 
 
Finish with prayer. “Lord, we believe you have given each of us spiritual gifts so that we can serve one another. Show us how to put our love into action by using our gifts to bless each other. Thank you most of all for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Amen.”