“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 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.” Rom 12:4-5 (NLT) Everyone gets to play. God loves us enough to make everyone important. He does this by giving everyone specific gifts and functions in the body of Christ. This encourages us because we know that regardless of whatever limitations we think we have we are still valuable in the church. But this is also a powerful tool for encouraging others. We see people come into our congregation who are new to Jesus and all beaten up by the world and they are wondering if they even fit in. They feel completely inferior to whoever is speaking up front. But when we get a chance to talk with them we can plant hope and encouragement in their heart by promising them that they are valuable and can be used by God. “You have a gift and we look forward to what you will do!”
Simple application: put your name in the verse instead of “us” or “we”. Then say it out loud three times. Rely on it.
