Week 4: Sharing in Service – Michael Leyden
To go the way of Jesus Christ is to go the way of radical service. There is no meaningful account of Christian faith that excludes love of God and neighbour revealed in practical acts of sacrifice and self-giving.
Bible reading: 1 Corinthians 12.1-11
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
‘The Holy Spirit has gifted every Christian purposefully …Any gifts I might see in myself are not for me alone – they’re for the good of the whole community. I have a responsibility to use my gifts to serve the Church, to bless others.’
Pause for Thought
1.This week’s reflections encouraged us to develop a habit of serving others, especially those who have little to o]er in return. What might be getting in the way of us doing this, as individuals and as a community?
2. Who in your life or group serves in a way that is ‘unseen’?
3. Do you ever find yourself wishing you had someone else’s ‘gift’?
4. How does today’s reading encourage you to commit to your own way of serving?
Closing prayer
Holy God, you do not call us to be the same, but
to be one. We thank you for the unique gifts you
have given us and pray that we may use them
to serve you in one another, and love as you
love us. Amen.