1 Corinthians 12:4,8-11 – Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (KJV)

We were vacationing as a family in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, and attended church. It was there that I saw an amazing portrayal of the gift of discernment. When it came time for the offering, my mother and I were surprised to see my father vacate his seat, and make his way to the aisle. Moments later, we were even more astonished to see my father walk down the aisle shoulder-to-shoulder with another man, holding an offering plate. Dad proceeded to pass the plate and receive the offering with the same gentlemanly confidence as in his home church.

Later my father explained that the minister had nodded to him, and Dad had touched his chest in the silent gesture "Me?" The minister had nodded again, and my father had obeyed. This incident brought great joy to my father: to be recognized as a member of the family of God, and to be used for this special task. The minister had used his gift of discernment, and my father shared this experience with many of his friends. In a similar manner, God calls each of us to discern and to use our spiritual gifts to build up the church.

Prayer: Our gracious heavenly Father, may we be sensitive to the gift or gifts that the Holy Spirit has given to us, and may we willingly share them with other members of your family. Amen.

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