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Where Do the Pieces Come From?

April 1st, 2024

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

While reading 1 Corinthians 12, one might have flashbacks to their mother giving them a pep talk about how they are uniquely made and how their gifts help to make up the body of Christ. Our mothers were not wrong. What is most interesting, however, is that the gifts listed in this passage are not flashy, fancy gifts.

Often in Christianity, musical or oratory gifts are the ones that receive the most attention, but this list is the opposite of that. This list of gifts does not have the things we usually think of as valuable gifts. Paul lists wise advice, special knowledge, and faith among these gifts that are so necessary for unity in the body of Christ. Cultivating these gifts will help to unify the community, as these gifts are harmonious gifts, not divisive personality traits.

Unity is currently a buzzword, but it is worth considering the cultivation of such “quiet” gifts in a time when the “loud” gifts seem to receive the praise.

Author: Rachelle “Shelly” Miller