Romans 12:6-8 - Having gifts that differ

12:6a

We all have different gifts. The most important point is that these gifts are given to us by the grace of God. We are not to be measuring one gift against another completely different gift, trying to increase the emphasis on one gift at the expense of another. All gifts are “charismatic”, given by the grace of God. We are to use them, but we use them not to extol ourselves, but to glorify Christ and to build up the body.

12:6b-8

So if we have the gift of prophecy we are to prophecy. Prophecy seems to cause problems for some, and it can be misused. But throughout the Bible God has spoken to individuals, and has given specific direction to individuals and to groups of people. There is no reason to think He has stopped doing so. However, all prophecy must be in accordance with the faith, it must be consistent with the word of God. If serving is our gift then we are to serve, if teaching then we are to teach. Whatever God has given us to do we are to do it. We have a responsibility to use the gifts that God gives to us, as the parable of the talents demonstrates. If we are able to exhort or encourage, then we are to do so. If we are able to give we are to give generously. Leaders are to lead with zeal. The one who is merciful is to show mercy gladly. Now all of us will do most of these things to a limited degree, but there will be some gifts where we excel. Note that all these gifts can be misused. We can show mercy reluctantly, we give grudgingly etc. As well as naming the gifts, Paul gives the attitude with which we are to use them.