As each has received a gift,
use it to serve one another.
—1 Peter 4:10
Parents give their children gifts that meet their individual needs, desires, age, and aptitudes.
Our heavenly Father does the same. He gives appropriate gifts to each of his children. First Corinthians 12 says he gives them to everyone (v. 6), to each for the common good (v. 7), to each one individually (v. 11).
A misguided elitism leads to the feeling that those who possess high-profile gifts are the ones who really count. This deluded view too often causes those without the “privileged” gifts to feel that they have no meaningful contribution to make.
Be clear about spiritual gifts. Who gives them? God. Who gets them? All of God’s children. Our gifts differ, but we all have them, and each is essential for “helping the entire church” (1 Cor 12:7 NLT).
If you withhold your gift
we’re all diminished.