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 you—no 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
God—and 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