Scripture
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
Reflection
Paul looks forward to meeting them for the first time because he has a gift he would like to share with them; he certainly had many gifts: preaching, miracles, prophecy to name a few. He quickly clarifies that the sharing of gifts will be a mutual thing, he will share (spiritual) gifts with them and they can share their gifts with him. Paul is not giving them his spiritual gifts so that they will now have the same gifts he has, everyone is to bring something to share. All of this “gift sharing” has a purpose and it’s not “more gifts for me” but for a harvest. More people coming into the kingdom of God’s own son and less people trapped in the kingdom of darkness (Ps. Dale).
P.S. For more information on spiritual gifts and how to serve SCF please visit https://shanghaifellowship.org/serve-the-body/
Thoughts for the day
- Do you know your spiritual gifts in order to serve and encourage the church?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- What is one way you can apply this truth to your life today?
- Who can you encourage with this story/message?
Prayer
Pray for the leaders of the nations of the world. Pray for the leader of your home country.
