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“Not Every Believer's Right”

Thoughts for Today:

In our passage today, we find the first mention of the word "gifts". It is translated from the Greek word "charisma", which is a form of the word "charis". I don't think it is coincidental that "charis" means "grace" -- which is unmerited, and unearned favor.

Paul says there is a distribution of gifts to the church, but in order to have balance the Holy Spirit provides different gifts to different individuals. In addition, regardless of the diversity, the source is the same Lord and the same Holy Spirit.

In Galatians 5:22, Paul said: "But the fruit of the Spirit is..." Then he goes on to list nine characteristics. Notice that the word "fruit" is singular which tells us that all believers possess these attributes whether manifested or not. This is in contrast to the word "gifts" (which is plural) from our passage today. This implies that no one person will be given all the gifts of the Spirit. Although it is possible for a person to have more than one, it is not every believer's right as it is with the fruit of the Spirit.

Questions to Ponder:

What gifts of the Spirit do you see in those around you? A lot, right? What about your own? Can't see any? You are not alone, most of us have no trouble seeing the gifts of those around us, yet have difficulty identifying our own. Ask your spouse, best friend, pastor, or those you serve with -- what do they see? Are they not the ones you want? Have you been resisting the influence of the Spirit?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.