God's Gifts

Read: Romans 12:4-10

Cassie sat on the beach with her seagull in a cage at her side. She looked up at her mother, who was standing beside her. “I’m not sure I can let Howard go, Mom,” she said. “He’s just about the only friend I’ve got!” She sighed. “Some kids at school say I’m dumb because I have to go to special classes.” Cassie looked down. “Why can’t I be smart like other kids?”

Mom sat down and put her arm around Cassie. “You’re very smart, honey. That word doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone. Besides, our value isn’t based on what we can do—it’s based on who we are in Jesus and what He did for us on the cross. But He did also make each one of us special and give us our own gifts and talents.”

Cassie wiped her eyes. “I don’t have any gifts.”

“Oh, but you do, Cassie!” Mom said. “I believe you have the wonderful gift of being able to help others.”

“I do?” Cassie asked, wide-eyed.

Mom nodded. “You’re very helpful to lots of people. When Grandma broke her hip, you went to her house almost every day to help out. You always remember to pray for kids at school who are sick—and look at Howard.” Cassie looked down at the seagull. “Howard was badly injured when you found him,” continued Mom, “and with help from the wildlife refuge, you nursed him back to health.” Mom smiled. “The workers at the refuge said you have such a natural way of handling him that he’s even become your friend. You’ve done such a good job, and now he’s ready to be released. You’re helpful in many ways.”

Cassie shrugged. “Anyone would do those things.”

Mom shook her head. “I wish that were true, but not everyone is that sensitive to the needs of others.”

Cassie looked at Howard. “Well, Howard, how would you like your freedom?” She stood up and opened the cage, and the bird was soon in the air. He floundered a bit, then squawked what must have been a thank you and sailed out over the water. Cassie smiled. She would miss her little friend, but she was eager to see where she could use her special way with animals next.

–A.J. Schut

How about you? Do you realize that everyone—including you—has special gifts from God? Maybe you think other kids are gifted because they get better grades or have greater athletic ability than you. But you’re gifted too—God may have just given you different gifts than He gave those kids, like perhaps being friendly and encouraging others. Be thankful for the gifts God has given you and use them to help others.

Today's Key Verse: Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church…gifts. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 12:27-28

Today's Key Thought: God gives gifts to everyone