Comparing Gifts

Do you ever feel down when you see others doing big things? Do you feel

like you would never be able to serve like they do or make as big of an

impact?

Just because someone is better at something, or has found more success than

you have, doesn’t mean what you’re doing isn’t good. We can’t base the

value of our accomplishments on what others have done.

God has given you your talents and gifts for a reason. He knows the plans

He has for your life. It’s not good to get caught up in what others have

going on or try to compare yourself to them. God doesn’t make mistakes. He

didn’t mess up when He made you. And He loves youno matter what you’ve

accomplished.

We might not always feel as smart or as talented as the next person, but we

weren’t meant to compare ourselves to others. Our gifts are between us and

Godand so is how we use them. We don’t have to prove ourselves to others.

When we see other people succeeding while we’re still trying to figure

things out, we don’t have to be down on ourselves. Instead, the Holy Spirit

empowers us to celebrate other people’s successes with them! And we can

come to Jesus with all our disappointments and frustrations, knowing that

He is not disappointed or frustrated with us. As we rely on Him, He will

guide us in how to use our talents and gifts to honor God and serve His

people. Bethany Acker

In what ways do you struggle with comparing yourself to others?

Romans 12 says that, as Christians, we are all part of the body of

Christ, and just like a body has many parts with many different functions,

so we are all different from each other. But we are still part of the same

whole, and we all belong to each other. So, if one of us is honored, the

rest of us can rejoice too (1 Corinthians 12:26). How could you encourage

others when you see them using their natural talents or spiritual gifts to

honor God and serve His people?

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. Romans

12:6a (NIV)

Read Verses:

1 Corinthians 12:11; 1 Corinthians 12:25-1 Corinthians 12:27; Romans 12:3-Romans 12:8