Scripture for the week: Ephesians 4:11-16
Introduction
For a detailed introduction to this series, see the Introduction in the Week 1 devotions. The idea is to live with the Scripture for the Week every day through the whole week. The devotion may either be done by yourself or with someone else. Good conversations will almost certainly come from sharing this with someone else.
Devotion
St. Paul writes in Ephesians 4 about gifts – the gift of Christ, and the gifts God has given to each of us. A little over a month ago, we celebrated Christmas with many gifts given and received. Have you ever given a gift only to see it weeks or months later tucked away still in its packaging? When we go to all the trouble of finding what we think will be the perfect gift, we wrap it and set it under the tree. But then something happens in us. We’re excited to see how the receiver of the gift will react and how they will use our gift.
God gives us gifts also. Just like the gifts we receive from others at Christmas, I think God is excited to see how we will react and what we will do with the gifts He gives us. After all, gifts are mean to be used.
This week, take some time to read these verses each day. Consider what your gifts are and how God may be calling you to use them. This would be a good time to take a spiritual gifts assessment like the one referenced below.
Epicurious Lutheran 