Our heavenly Father is a giver of gifts. He gave His Son that we may receive salvation, “For by grace we are saved through faith, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Now, grace is defined as “unmerited favor.” It is the gift freely given to those who believe and receive. The Bible speaks of the diversity of gifts available to believers from the Father of lights (James 1:17).

   Accompanying each gift is the grace that empowers you to fulfill God’s purpose. For instance, the gift of God’s love is the grace that empowers you to love others with His love. The gift of a new heart empowers you to know the Father for a relationship (Jer. 24:7).  The Holy Spirit empowers believers with spiritual gifts for ministry (See 1 Corinthians 12:7-11).

      Many do not know what their Spiritual gifts are. The Lord once opened my eyes, and I saw people pregnant with Spiritual gifts. Knowing something was alive and stirring within them of the Spirit, they silently carried their burden. Sadly, they could not find a place to give birth to bring forth the gift of grace to fulfill their vision and ministry.

   Now Christ has given gifts to men, that of the Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, and teacher. Unlike the Holy Spirit that resides in every believer, the gift of Christ is the grace given to reveal Christ and His ministry to the body of Christ. They have the defined purpose to perfect the saints and to train and empower them for “The work of the ministry (See Ephesians 4:8-12).

     Church leadership is to identify, develop, and release people’s gifts for ministry. The apostle Peter states that all (not just church leaders) are to use their gifts as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10). How can people be faithful to fulfill the joy of being used by the Spirit in the way they have been graced if there is no place for them in His house? 

     What are your spiritual gifts of grace? Perhaps Christ has blessed you with one of His ascension gifts (Ephesians 4:8-12). Are you called as a Watchman in the Father’s house? Worship, the ministry of exhortation, or being graced with one of the nine spiritual gifts, such as the gift of healing? 

    Everyone is called and needed. Without discovering and developing their gifts, people are not empowered with the grace to serve one another, let alone live the victorious life they have in Christ. This is one reason why the Church lacks the demonstration and power of the Spirit.  

    Release the gifts of grace given to the people, and the Spirit will work the ministry of miracles, healing, and deliverance among them. All are called, and all are needed. We cannot do what everyone else is anointed to do. Doing so limits the power of the Holy Spirit and grieves the heart of our Father. Like natural parents, spiritual fathers and mothers are to nurture, empower, and equip God’s children to grow into all they are called to be. 

  In His heart with joy – Roy Roden

Eastgate Ministries