Week Two: Bearing Fruit/Spiritual Gifts. January 8: Understand your Gifts to find your Calling
This week we look at how to find what is mine to do. Saint Francis said to his brothers on his deathbed, “I have done what was mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours.”
Gregg’s Reflection
This week we look at how to find what is mine to do. Saint Francis said to his brothers on his deathbed, “I have done what was mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours.” Last week we learned to rest in Christ; this week we explore how that abiding blossoms into fruitful action—discovering and offering the unique gifts God has placed within us.
Henri Nouwen tells us,
More important than our talents are our gifts. Our gifts are the many ways in which we express our humanity. They are part of who we are: friendship, kindness, patience, joy, peace, forgiveness, gentleness, love, hope, trust, and many others.
As Paul says,
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Yet many churches focus more on time and talent surveys than on discovering and using spiritual gifts. I once knew a pastor who planted a church with a focus on gift-based ministry. Within a few years, over a hundred ministry teams were working for the common good.
It took me years to fully grasp that our gifts are given not for our own sake but for serving our community. Before I discerned my spiritual gifts, I often lived with a vague sense of existential angst, worried that I was not doing enough for God. I said yes to many opportunities to serve that left me exhausted because they weren’t aligned with my gifts and passions. Once I discovered and began using my gifts, I learned to say no without regret to opportunities outside that nexus.
For many years, my spiritual director has asked me the same question whenever I’ve considered a new opportunity: “How is that in your wheelhouse?” If it’s not in my wheelhouse, why would I do it? Understanding your gifts, and the particular ways God calls you to use them, is essential for a life of joyful, sustainable service. As you understand your gifts, you begin to glimpse the fruit God intends to grow through you.
Scripture
We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.— Romans 12:6
Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit… To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. — 1 Corinthians 12:4–7
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. — 1 Peter 4:10
Ancient Quotes
I have done what was mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours. —St. Francis of Assisi, The Little Flowers of St. Francis (Fioretti), Chapter 6
Modern Quotes
More important than our talents are our gifts. We may have only a few talents, but we have many gifts. Our gifts are the many ways in which we express our humanity. They are part of who we are: friendship, kindness, patience, joy, peace, forgiveness, gentleness, love, hope, trust, and many others. These are the true gifts we have to offer to each other. — Henri Nouwen, Daily Meditation, Nouwen Society, August 17, 2020
Journaling Prompts
- What gifts do you believe God has given you?
- How have you seen these gifts bless others?
- What next step might you take to align your gifts with your calling?
- Have you discovered your wheelhouse—the nexus of gifts and passion? If not, how might you?
👉 Go deeper into this week’s theme:
Read the full Week 2 reflection: Bearing Fruit/Gifts of the Spirit