The gifts God gave were that some would be apostles,
some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers,
to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
for building up the body of Christ
—Ephesians 4.11-12
And some would be listeners, and some good humorists,
some lovers of babies, some survivors, some singers.
Some are hopers, some healers , some encouragers.
Some are dreamers, some organizers, some workers.
No two sets of gifts are alike. None are inferior.
All are for building up, not tearing down,
all for the whole body, not themselves.
And no one is without. To be is to be gifted.
They are not talents, skills, privileges or obligations.
They are gifts. To be received. To be given.
Listen, believer, for the echo of your own calling,
the song of your own gifts. Listen, and follow.
Listen for the voice of one another’s gifts,
for everyone you meet is gifted.
We equip one another for love.
__________________
Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net
July 29, 2021