1 Peter 4:9-11  Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Over the years I recall many times trying to recruit volunteers for various things at church. One of the most used reasons for declining the invitation was “that’s not my gift.”  There are lots of things teachers and DCEs and ministers and pastors do that are “not their gift,” and they do them to make sure they get done. For that they deserve our thanks. You do not have to have a gift for something to do it. But that is a discussion for another day.

Today’s text tells you to use your gifts in God’s service. Use your gifts to share God’s grace with others. It is significant to note that Peter does not say “if you have a gift.” He tells you to use the gift(s) you have. God has given gifts to everyone. Paul makes the same point in Romans 12:6  “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.”

Do you know what yours are? It is often something you enjoy doing. Have you considered how you can use your gift(s) to serve God? No doubt many of you have thought about this and strive to do so. If you have not, maybe today is the day for you to think about it and then do something!

It is all about sharing the reason for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15). You have heard and believe that Jesus lived and died and rose again to give you the certainty of sin forgiven and life eternal. God wants you to know and believe that, to be sure. But He has gifted you uniquely to spread that message in your sphere of influence, among your family and friends and neighbors.

To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.