Perhaps you have heard the expression, “You can’t outgive God!” How true that is! Each day’s Silent Sounds devotional material underscores in new and fresh ways just how much God loves us. In today’s devotional, we will discover that, in His love for us, God has gifted each of us with the abilities and gifts we need to serve Him effectively. He has also given us the capacity to love others and forgive them because of the great sacrifice Jesus made on the Cross that we might experience the forgiveness that this sacrifice made possible.
ABILITIES, AFFINITIES, AND AFFIRMATIONS
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:3-8
Embedded in this passage are several “strands of DNA” that define our purpose: Abilities, Affinities, and Affirmations.
Abilities
God has made each of with a purpose – and for a purpose. God gives each of us specific abilities. In other words, you have abilities that other people may not have; therefore, you are able to serve God in ways that others cannot.
Affinities
Abilities are things we do well; affinities are things we love to do! When you have an affinity for something, you enjoy it, it energizes you, and it is something to which you naturally gravitate. When we serve God in the area of our affinities, we are able to do so generously, diligently, and cheerfully.
Affirmations
Sometimes we are uncertain about our abilities and affinities, but we become aware of them as other people see and affirm them in us. That is one reason why it is so important to be in a church where you can experience community. One of the best ways to discover your gifts and abilities is through having them noticed and affirmed by other believers who know you well.
The “sweet spot” of purpose
In baseball or tennis, the “sweet spot” is that place on the bat (or racket) where making contact with the ball will produce the best results. It is where you will achieve the highest level of performance. The same is true when our abilities, our affinities and our affirmations converge. When this happens, you will find personal fulfillment. But, of even greater importance, you will be serving and blessing others, and you will glorify God in the process. God has equipped you, gifted you, and empowered you to live for Him. Ask Him to help you use your gifts and abilities in ways that honor Him.
GOD FORGIVES – AND SO CAN YOU
Forgiveness is not easy, is it? If someone has hurt you – emotionally, mentally, physically – you may feel that the person is somehow in your debt and owes you something. The Bible tells us that we have been called to forgive people who wrong us even though it is not natural, and it is certainly not easy!
God has forgiven us
God is holy, and God is perfect. Our sin is offensive to Him. And we know from Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned.” No one is able in his own strength and own ability to measure up to God’s perfect standard. There are no “small” or “acceptable” sins to God; He hates them all. We deserve death, a spiritual death that results in eternal separation from God. But that’s where the Good News comes in.
Jesus died that we might experience God’s forgiveness
Jesus died as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. He died in our place, and His death made it possible for us to experience God’s love and forgiveness. When we compare the debt we owed and could never pay to the “debt” others owe us when they hurt or offend us, there is really no comparison. Just as God has released us from our debt, He wants us to forgive others and release them from any debt we feel they owe us.
How can we forgive others?
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
Is it easy to forgive others? No, but by refusing to forgive someone for hurting us, we hurt ourselves. Forgiving people does not mean we excuse their behavior, but it means that we are entrusting them to God. He can deal with people much better than we can, which is why Romans 12:19 tells us to “leave room for God’s wrath.” He is best qualified to deal with their offenses against us. God has forgiven us; therefore, we are called – and empowered by God’s Spirit – to forgive others. Thank Him for forgiving you and ask Him to help you let go of any unforgiveness or bitterness you feel toward others.