Scripture to Read: 1 Peter 4:10–11
We read in 1 Peter 4:11 a couple of examples of the spiritual gifts God gives to people and how those gifts are to be used for Him. First, God deals with how we communicate with our words. Communication today can be done by speaking, texting, using different types of social media, or even signing for the hearing impaired. No matter what kind of communication we use, God wants our words to communicate as if our words are coming directly from His mouth. Speaking words as if God is speaking them is an incredible challenge for us. It is a challenge because we can often allow our words to be flippant, non-caring, harsh, unkind, hateful, hurtful, humiliating, disrespectful, and many more. Because our words can be ungodly, God gives us His command because He knows our struggle with our words. We often struggle with our words and communication because what we communicate reveals what is filling our hearts at the time of our communication. Our communication must always give God’s grace to those we communicate with. Our words need to benefit everyone who hears or reads what we share. God points out what our communication should look and sound like in Ephesians 4:29 & 5:4 and Colossians 3:8 & 4:6. God tells us that as we serve, we are to serve through His strength because He gives us the strength to serve. Our communication and service are all about us bringing glory to our Heavenly Father through our Lord Jesus, who lives in us by His Spirit. So, let’s communicate and serve Him well.
Challenge & Application
· How are you communicating so your Lord is honored and your communication gives God’s grace?
· What areas of your communication need to be changed so that God is glorified in all you say and communicate?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!