Using What God Has Provided

“…he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” – Romans 12:8

When Paul lists the spiritual gifts in Romans 12, he isn’t simply informing us—he’s exhorting us. He’s urging believers to get up and use what God has placed within them. We’ve already looked at prophecy, the forthtelling of God’s truth; the gift of ministry, or helps; and the gift of teaching, which builds the church through systematic instruction. Now Paul continues: “he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:8, NKJV). Each gift is a call to action. Peter echoes this when he writes, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10, NKJV). God has given every believer a unique blend of gifts—and He expects us to use them.

Barnabas is a beautiful example of exhortation. His very name means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). When Saul first tried to join the disciples, fear kept them at a distance—but Barnabas stepped in. He brought Saul to the apostles, defended his testimony, and encouraged the church to receive him (Acts 9:26–27). That one act of encouragement helped launch the ministry of the man we now know as Paul. Others are gifted in giving, like the Macedonian believers who gave generously even in deep poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1–5). Some lead like Nehemiah, who surveyed the broken walls of Jerusalem and rallied God’s people to rebuild (Nehemiah 2:17–18). Others show mercy like the Good Samaritan, who crossed cultural lines to care for a wounded stranger (Luke 10:33–35). These gifts are not theoretical—they are meant to be lived out, seen, and felt in the life of the church.

Every believer has been uniquely gifted by God. Your spiritual gifts are not accidental, replaceable, or optional. They are intentional deposits of grace meant to strengthen the body of Christ. You are not meant to sit on the sidelines while others serve. You are meant to step into the very thing God has placed within you—whether that’s encouraging the weary, giving generously, leading with vision, or showing mercy with joy. Ask the Lord today, “What have You placed in me, and where do You want me to use it?” Surround yourself with encouragers, and be one. Look for needs you can meet. Give with sincerity. Lead with diligence. Show mercy with cheerfulness. Your gift is needed—by your church, by your community, and by the kingdom of God. When you use what God has given you, you help preserve the heart of the first‑century church and advance the mission of Christ in your generation.

“God has endowed each of His children with talents, and He requires them to be used in His service.”
—A.W. Pink