As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of the many-sided grace of God. 1Peter 4:10, TLV
The 2 Purposes of God’s Gifts. Context. It’s interesting to note that Peter believes that the “end of all things is near” (1 Peter 4:7). He seems to indicate that things are really getting bad, including suffering and persecution for their faith.
Purpose 1
In the midst of this, Peter exhorts and encourages his readers to be hospitable and loving to one another. To use the gifts God has given them in service to one another rather than our own pursuits. And to be good and honest stewards of the gifts our Heavenly Father has graciously given.
It seems that even in the most difficult of times, we as children of the Creator of the Universe, are to reach out to our brothers and sisters in Messiah.
Purpose 2
This came to me this morning. The second purpose of a gift or talent our Heavenly Father has given us is to connect us with Him. Have you ever wondered how each gift — hospitality, speaking, creative abilities, etc. — are all uniquely tailored to us? That’s because He knows us better than we know ourselves. As we steward our gifts, we can know Him better or take ownership that doesn’t belong to us. Just think, He wove that passion inside us in our mother’s womb.
When we steward the gifts He has given us, the Holy Spirit will drive our need to share with others. If we are “hoarding” our gifts — not serving others — then that is a misuse of our gifts. Eventually a part of us shrivels and becomes the opposite of how our Father sees us and what He wants for us. Are we stewarding the gifts God has given us by serving our family and giving glory to God?
