Have you ever marveled at an artist, watching them bring beauty to life with their God-given talent? Or maybe you’ve been awestruck by an elite athlete whose natural abilities seem almost otherworldly, as though every shot or catch is guided by divine instinct. Perhaps you’ve been moved in a church service by a speaker whose passionate words seemed to touch your very soul. Or maybe it’s a musician, chef, designer, mathematician, or teacher who inspires you.
We’ve all encountered people who seem to shine so brightly in their gifts that it’s hard not to wonder: How do they do it? How can they see, think, or act in ways that allow them to create, lead, or serve so powerfully?
The answer is in God’s Word. Each of us has been uniquely gifted by God to fulfill the purpose He designed for us. These abilities aren’t random—they are intentional gifts, given by His grace, through the Holy Spirit, to complete the mission He’s set before us.
Paul explains this so beautifully in Romans 12:
“So it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” – Romans 12:5-6a (NLT)
He goes on to describe seven motivational gifts that God gives us:
• Prophecy (Motivator): If God has given you the ability to speak out, do so with as much faith as He’s given you. This gift inspires others to draw closer to God, serve Him, and fall in love with Him.
• Serving: Those with this gift find joy in meeting practical needs—whether it’s cleaning up after an event, providing meals, or quietly supporting others behind the scenes.
• Teaching: A teacher loves to learn and share knowledge, breaking down complex truths so others can grow in understanding. (This is my motivational gift—just ask my family, who gets daily lessons, intentional or not!)
• Encouraging: Encouragers lift others up with their positive outlook and affirming words. They see the good in people and help others see it in themselves.
• Giving: Those gifted in giving find true joy in meeting others’ needs, whether financially, through time, or by teaching stewardship. Their generosity reflects God’s abundant love.
• Leadership: Leaders guide, inspire, and motivate others toward a shared vision or goal. They don’t take the responsibility lightly, knowing their influence matters.
• Kindness (Empathizer): Empathetic individuals connect deeply with others, feeling their pain and showing compassion with joy.
Each of these gifts reflects God’s intention for our lives. They are not only tools for fulfilling His purpose but also ways we glorify Him by serving others.
So, what motivates you? What sparks your passions? Which of these gifts has God woven into the fabric of your life?
Take time to reflect and pray. Ask God to show you your motivational gift and how He wants you to use it. If you already know your gift, think about ways you can intentionally use it to serve others and glorify Him this week.
Let’s connect! I’d love to hear from you. What do you think your motivational gift might be? How have you seen God use it in your life? Leave a comment below and let’s celebrate the beauty of God’s design in each of us!
4 thoughts on “I Choose Today to Serve Through My Gifts”
I believe that God has given me the gift of teaching…I LOVE to teach His Word and attempt to present the Word in such a way to draw people into a closer relationship with HIM. I don’t always feel adequate to do it, but if nothing else, it gets me into the Word myself in study and preparation.
The Holy Spirit gives us the right words at the right time to speak truth into other’s lives. Our job, like you said, is to prepare ourselves by studying God’s Word, and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. Love you willing spirit
Sometimes I think it’s easier to let others identify your gifts than for us to identify them ourselves. I know that what I’m drawn to is serving, giving and kindness of the gifts that you’ve mentioned. And sometimes God gives us just what we need for a moment in time that he’s calling us to serve in a different capacity. I taught music for 15 years. I would not say that teaching is my gifting, but God gave me what I needed to communicate to those young people during that season. It caused me to lean into him greatly! Sometimes just out of a fear of failure! Ha.
Wonderful to see you use your gift of teaching and exhortation. Thank you for blessing us today with this.❤️
As a person who had a front row seat to your teaching giftings, I say the Holy Spirit most definitely gives us gifts needed for special opportunities and circumstances. I know you had a heart for the kids and a willing heart. God can do wonders with that kind of response.