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, NIV*

The specific examples Peter uses in this chapter are hospitality, words and service. We’re given gifts for the good of others, not to keep to ourselves.

You and I may or may not know what our spiritual gifts are, but I think this verse applies to more than those. The Message renders this verse “Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it.”

We’ve received so much of God’s grace… let’s think about how we can administer, or share, it:

• when we smile at the checkout clerk
• when we make our kids’ lunches
• when we’re patient with the customer service rep after waiting on hold “forever”
• when we stop to listen to an elderly person’s question
• when we hold the door for a shopper with parcels

We’ve received His love, forgiveness, acceptance… His joy and Himself. Let’s share it by the way we treat others.

Father, thank You for the privilege of administering some of Your grace. Help me remember to see my service in this special way and to serve willingly, in love and gratitude and in Your strength, for Your glory.

What more fitting song than the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi, “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace”?

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.