The Gift of Each Other, by Diyanne Podhaczky

If we take the time to explore the theme of gifts in the Bible, will see that as Christians, we have been blessed with so many different gifts. That is, many of these gifts are discussed in the New Testament. For example, in Romans 12, Paul spoke of the spiritual gifts including, exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy, prophecy, service, and teaching. Then he teaches about other gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 namely, administration, apostle, discernment, faith, healing, helps knowledge, miracles, prophecy, teaching, tongues, interpretation, and wisdom. Then in Ephesians 4:11-14, he details the ministry gifts bestowed by Christ upon the church. These are Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers.

People also have specific gifts that set them apart as individuals. Some can sing, others are skilled with their hands and can create things, while some make coffee really well. Here I wish to reflect on a gift that can often be overlooked, the gift of 'each other'. In his fantastic way, God created 'His Body' the church to work together, to share the joy and hard times of life together.

We all need to feel we are part of a family; we all want to be loved unconditionally and accepted for who we are. The reality is that we are all born into a family, but sin destroys the bonds that hold families together. I do not know what sort of family you come from, but my experience has fostered a deep desire and longing to belong.

The reality for me personally is that I will never belong here with my earthly ‘family’ (other than my husband, children and grandchildren of course), but my heavenly Father already knew that before I was born and blessed me with the family of God. He has given each of us an incredibly precious ‘gift,’ that is the church. He gave us a sense of belonging, and just like siblings in every typical family, we will not always see eye to eye. However, the difference between a Christian church family and other families is that our Father holds us together. Jesus gave us a new commandment when He said,

“Let me give you a new command—love one another. In the same way, I loved you; you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples-when the see the love you have for each other” (Jn 13:34-35 The Message).