This is the time of year when most people engage in the Christmas tradition of exchanging presents. There are gifts to be given, and gifts to be received.

God has given spiritual gifts to every Christian, and these gifts are to be shared with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Sadly, many professed Christians have adopted our culture’s selfish mentality of entitlement. They are much more concerned about what the church can do for them than what they can do for the church. We need to actively guard against that sinful mindset.

Romans 12:3-8 teaches us about several gifts that we might give to the church. It talks about the responsibility we have to each other— “…each member belongs to all the others.” (v.5). Then we learn that we have different gifts that are to be shared with the church (v.6). God does not give us all the same gift, but whatever gift he gives us is to be shared with other believers to make their lives better and to build up the church.

The list that follows is only a partial sample of the spiritual gifts that the Bible talks about, but it is a pretty good starting place to consider what gift we might have been given to share with the church.

First is the gift of prophecy, which is simply speaking the word of God. While we all have the duty to speak the word, some Christians are particularly gifted in this area. In a time when the Bible is being neglected by so many people, it is critical that those who have the gift of prophecy speak the word of God to their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Next is the gift of serving. We all have the responsibility to serve, but some are gifted to be especially efficient at serving in the church. They notice what other Christians need, and they work diligently to make sure those jobs are done, whether it is running an errand for someone who could use help or performing an act of service on the church property. The opportunities to serve are practically limitless.

Then we see the gift of teaching. Some believers have the God-given ability to share the word to help other believers grow in their understanding of the faith. Where would the church be without faithful Bible teachers?

The next gift listed is encouragement. In this world where there is so much discouragement, we all need to encourage each other all the time. And some are especially gifted at lifting the spirits of those who need a boost. Thank God for all the encouragers who brighten our path each day!

Then we see the gift of giving. Once again, we all have the responsibility to give to the Lord. However, some have been gifted to give far beyond the biblical minimum of the tithe. These people are happy to contribute more than the average believer to enhance the ministries of the church.

Next comes the gift of leadership. The church is not a democracy, where everyone has an equal vote. God’s way of moving his people from where they are to where they need to be is to have them follow their leaders. Every congregation needs leaders to guide them along the way.

The final gift on this list is to show mercy. While we all need to be merciful, some are particularly gifted in this area. They notice people who are hurting and in need, and they come alongside those who need to be shown mercy.

This is an excellent list of gifts, and each Christian probably has at least one of these gifts that is meant to be shared with the church. Let’s all prayerfully consider how we will share our gift with the church, not just during the Christmas season, but all year round.

And, of course, our giving should be inspired by the greatest gift we have received—the gift of salvation that God has given us through Jesus! “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Cor.9:15).