Why we should celebrate the different types of giving 🎉

What does it mean to be wealthy? There is the obvious answer of having monetary wealth, being financially blessed, etc.

But there are different types of wealth and, with that wealth, comes the different types of gifts we’ve each been blessed with.

Someone can be rich with the gift of music and vocals, hospitality, or even encouragement. Too often we tend to overlook how we’ve been blessed, and how much we have to give because it doesn’t fit neatly in a box to check — or a check to write.

By expanding our idea of what a gift means and looks like, we can lift any shame or guilt that may hang on our shoulders for being in a place where tithing 10% regularly isn’t feasible.

God blessed us with multiple gifts to spread His Word and love — Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Encouragement, Giving, Leadership, Mercy, Healing, Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith — these gifts are not exhaustive. There are gifts within these gifts.

We must be brave enough to explore which ones reside in us.

Don’t put yourself in a box

Even if you know what your gift is, that doesn’t mean you have to stay there all the time. Sometimes we’re called to give in different ways at different times. 

Understanding where our “sweet spot” for serving and giving is simply informs our decisions and helps direct our energy in the most effective direction.

For example, if you excel at hospitality, maybe you’re called to host a bible study or group and provide that space for deepening one's knowledge and relationship with the Lord.

Or if you have an exceptional voice, you could find a place volunteering on the worship team. If you have a gift with numbers, you could join the church accounting team.

These are not revolutionary ideas for how to give from your gifts and talents, but sometimes we need to remember how much we have to offer.

God can use anybody to spread his love and message, in an abundance of ways. Financial contributions are simply a tier in that list of possibilities. Important, yes — but not the only way to give.

Let go of fear and insecurity

We know. That’s not an easy feat for most. But we can’t talk about talents and gifts without acknowledging that it can be intimidating to display them. 

But being of service to the church — whichever form that takes — is not about pride or perfection. It’s about obedience to God. 

Letting insecurity get the best of us is what the enemy loves to see. He relishes in it because he knows if we were to embrace who we are in the Lord, we would be formidable messengers of God's Word. 

That type of freedom does not happen overnight, of course. It’s natural to work up to certain types of volunteering and serving. The important part is giving ourselves the opportunity to prove the enemy wrong.

Action Items:

1. Explore your talents and gifts

Seek to understand your strengths and sweet spots. You may have a combination of gifts, and that’s normal. But dig down deep and see if you can pinpoint the one that feels the most God-given — the one that makes your heart sing.

This may take time and experimentation. That’s okay. Keep going. 

2. Stretch yourself out of your comfort zone

Experimentation may take you out of your comfort zone. That’s where growth happens. This is where fear and insecurity can try to stop you from gaining more confidence in your God-given abilities and talents. 

You are capable of far more than you believe. You were made for wonderful things. Embrace it.

Don’t let fear win.

3. Study how talents and gifts are referenced in the Bible

In the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30, we see the consequence of burying our gifts and talents — in this case money — instead of using them to grow the kingdom.

People tend to bury their abilities, too. By studying the way people did or did not use their talents — metaphorically or literally — we can see why God calls us to use our gifts for His good.

Uncover your gifts. Bring them into the light. Don’t be afraid to lean into your sweet spot. 

Want to learn more about bridging generations, cultivating generosity, and inspiring change in the church? Find Next Sunday on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.