THE GRACE OF GOD IN ITS VARIOUS FORMS

1 Peter 4:9-10
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. (WEB)

Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of Lights (James 1:17). John the Baptist said in John 3:27 that a man only has what he has been given from above. Ephesians 4:10-12 says that Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers as gifts to serve and equip the Church.

In today's Scripture passage, the Apostle Peter tells us that we ought to use the gifts that we have received from heaven to serve one another. Since we all have been created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and uniquely reflect His image through our life, each one of us is an expression of God's grace.

As a body is completely dependent upon each body part to fulfill its role, so we as the Church need the unique expression of God's grace found in every person within the Body of Christ (1 Corinthian 12). My encouragement today is to simply remind you how needed you are in the family of God! There has never been another person created who uniquely reflects the image of God like you do.

The light that shines through you is intended to be a manifestation of God's grace to every person in your sphere of influence. My prayer today is that you would yield to the glory of God that resides in you and simply be yourself.

May our God and Father show you the good works that He prepared for you to do in Christ (Ephesians 2:10) because you are His masterpiece. May every gift that He has given to you in your life time rise up to the surface for a time such as this so that you can truly reflect the glory of the Lord wherever you go.

Matthew 5:14-16
14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. 16 Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (WEB)