The focus of 1 Corinthians 12 is on the right use of one’ s spiritual gifts.
All spiritual gifts have the same source: the Holy Spirit. So there should be no pride or
discouragement in what gifts one does or doesn’t have. Besides, the gifts are not given
for the benefit of the one who receives them. They are to be used to benefit others.
It is intentional on God’ s part to distribute diverse gifts. Just like a natural human body
has many different parts with many different functions, the believers in the body of
Christ are given different roles. But the spiritual union that believers have should inform
our thoughts and feelings to such a degree that we celebrate with the joys and mourn
the difficulties of others. We are bound together, and we each have something to
contribute.
As with all the matters discussed in the several chapters leading up to this one, the
guiding principle for the exercise of one’ s gifts should be love.
Questions for Reflection/Discussion:
-Are there gifts you have that you have taken inappropriate pride in?
-Are there gifts in others that you have experienced envy about or disappointment that
you aren’t capable of those things?
-What are some ways you can contribute more to the body of Christ with the gifts you
have been given by the Holy Spirit?
