Romans 15:1-2
We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.
While we are often taught to be humble and not to brag on our strengths, we each have some things that we are good at. And even if you aren’t the absolute best at something, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have strengths and gifts. Some of us are really good at listening. Some of us have the gift of height or physical strength. Some of us have many resources and connections. And some of us are good at showing up. There are many ways to have strengths. Often, even our weaknesses can become strengths in being a witness to perseverance.
When we think about our strengths, we tend to think of them as something that we possess or own, but we should really look at our strengths as a way to help others. Through the blessings of strength, we are each given a way to help and serve others in this world. The purpose of these gifts is not to say, “Look at me and all the things I did today” but to for the purpose of helping the other. There are many times that people have said to me about ministry, “I couldn’t do what you do.” I always try to flip it around because there are countless vocations that I am in awe of their talents. I am grateful to the nurses that draw my blood, to the fire fighters who run to the aid in a crisis, to teachers with amazing patience, and countless other vocations that have incredible strengths.
The strengths that each of us have are meant to be a gift to the world. We are gifted things for a reason and it isn’t to toot our own horn or to glorify ourselves. Our gifts, and we each have them, are to be shared with the world and those around us. How can you use your gifts to build someone up today?
Prayer
God, we are grateful for the amazing gifts that you have shared with each one of us, for we are all beautifully and wonderfully made. Help us to use our gifts to be a blessing to others. Amen.