The manifold grace of God

1 Peter 4:10

As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

The Word of God here has most plainly declared that every one of us has received the gift. Now, let us discover what that gift is that he is speaking of. For you see, all the New Testament stands in unanimity and uniform concurrence that we all have a gift from the Spirit of God. Does not Paul tell the Corinthians that He divideth to every man severally as He will. Does He not tell the Ephesians that unto every one of us is giving grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ? And again to the Corinthians, that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. And here we are told unequivocally that every man has received the gift! What is the gift? It is whatever ability the Spirit allows you to have. It may be to show much hospitality; it may be to be a blessing and and an encourager to others; it may be to speak the oracles of God; it may be to minister to the hurting. But whatever it is, it is a gift from God, and must be used as of the ability that God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ. You see, my friend, we all have a gift to contribute to the ministry and the edifying of the body of Christ.

As we have then received this gift from God, we are to minister the same one to another. We are to minister to others as God has given us the ability so to do. We are not just to be ministered unto, but as Christ did, minister to others. We are not only to receive, because it is more blessed to give than to receive. This is the only way that we will be good stewards of the manifold grace of God! If God has given you a gift, He has given that to you that you may occupy till He comes. You are to maximize and mobilize the use of the faculties with which He has endowed you for the furtherance of the gospel of Christ, and for the edification of the body. Be a good steward, brother! Make good use of the gift, dear sister!

We are stewards of the manifold grace of God. What grace God has given us! Indeed, what wondrously manifold grace. Manifold means “various in character; diverse.” That is a description of the gifts God has given. He has bestowed grace individually and particularly. His grace has immense diversity. We do not all have the same gift, for if we did the church would grievously lack. We must have the hand, and the arm, and the leg, and the ear, and the toe. All are important, and all are necessary. And He has given the church all she needs. He has bestowed on her His manifold grace. And now, dear friend, let each of us be a good steward of this for the glory of God, asking Him now to show us how to utilize that grace this very day.

“Dear Father, this day we ask that you would show us opportunities through which we can be a good steward of your manifold grace. May you help us to truly use the wonderful gifts you have so generously given to us to be a blessing to others. Help us to minister the gift one to another. We thank you for your marvelous grace. Live and love through us today, we pray. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”