Romans 12:3-8

This week we are talking about giving. 

Romans 12:3-8 says For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Here in America, because we are truly blessed with many things we can sometimes think very highly of ourselves and forget about those who don't have as much as we do. In doing so we may not take the time to give to others.

When was the last time you donated items to Salvation Army or Goodwill or Chopin Hall? When you donate, what condition is the stuff in, can it actually be used again?

What about the people in your life. Have you ever given your time to help them without expecting anything in return or a form of payment?

This passage talks also about our spiritual gifts. We all have special talents God has given us, but we also are all able to do some of the above things. We have talked about serving, encouraging others, and even being a cheerful giver, but we haven't practiced that as a youth group.

What are you spiritual gifts? What do you find yourself doing a lot, that comes with some ease? Encouraging, serving, making people feel welcome, working with little kids, public speaking, musical talent, prayer, being a good listener, just to name a few.

How can you use your spiritual gifts to help your neighbors and what can we do as a youth group? Spend time with God discovering an answer and feel free to share that answer in a comment.