Choosing Love Today: Grace in the Mess - Episode 5: Messy Gifts

Have you ever felt unsure about how your gifts fit into the church… or wondered if they even matter? Most of us have. It’s easy to look around and think, “Well, I’m not a pastor… I’m not a teacher… I’m not a singer… so maybe what I bring isn’t that important.” And when you feel that way long enough, you either pull back or you start comparing yourself to everyone else. Believe it or not, that’s exactly what happened in Corinth. Corinth was a gifted church — wildly gifted. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:7 that they “did not lack any spiritual gift.” That’s impressive. But instead of using those gifts to build each other up, they started using them to build themselves up. Some were showing off. Some were competing. Some were dividing into little groups based on who had the “better” gift. And Paul steps in and says, “No… this isn’t what gifts are for.” In chapter 12, he reminds them that the Holy Spirit gives gifts for the common good — not for status, not for spotlight, not for ego. Gifts are tools to be used for service, not trophies to try and make yourself look good. They’re meant to strengthen the church, not fracture it. Bottom line: they are meant for you to use to help others, not just help yourself. And maybe that’s something we need to hear today. Because God has given you gifts — real ones. Maybe you teach. Maybe you encourage. Maybe you serve quietly behind the scenes. Maybe you give generously. Maybe you pray faithfully. Maybe you listen deeply. Maybe you show up when others don’t. But those gifts weren’t given to make you impressive… they were given to make the church stronger. Paul says we’re one body with many parts. Different roles. Different strengths. Different functions. But one purpose: to build each other up. Let me ask you: Where have you felt overlooked? Have you been tempted to compare your gift to someone else’s? Where have you forgotten that your gift is needed? Paul ends this section with something beautiful: “Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:31) What’s the “most excellent way”? It's love. Love is the fuel behind every gift. Love is the difference between noise and meaning. Love is what turns messy gifts into beautiful ministry. Carry this with you today: Your gift is not small. Your gift is not accidental. Your gift is not about you. Your gift is grace in the mess and take it with you.....not just in the church.   And that's another way to Keep Choosing Love Today!