Have you ever seen someone do or say something, and then realized how that reveals something about that person’s character on the inside? Sometimes it’s surprisingly good, and other times it can be disappointing.

God has given us (His people) the Word, so that we can see his character in writing. It teaches us so much about His love, justice, faithfulness, and patience with us. But the whole idea of God revealing Himself to us is that we would reveal His character by actually DOING what we see in WRITING.

He chooses a very special and unique way for us to do just that. In scripture, it’s called “gifts.” And when we exercise these spiritual “gifts,” it reveals a part of God’s character to the world and brings Him glory. Each one of the gifts say something about the Giver who has shared them with us.

Some things in scripture are universal for all of us. Loving the unloved, taking care of widows and orphans, loving your neighbor, loving God, etc. And we could spend a lifetime doing only that. But how do we specifically accomplish all of those things? By putting into practice some of these gifts of God.

What are some of these gifts?

Romans 12: exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy, prophecy, service, teaching

1 Corinthians 12: administration, apostle, discernment, faith, healing, helps, knowledge, miracles, prophecy, teaching, tongues/interpretation, wisdom

Ephesians 4: apostle, evangelism, pastor, prophecy, teaching

Misc. Passages: celibacy, hospitality, martyrdom, missionary (international), voluntary poverty

Without going into the debate of which ones (if any) aren’t in existence anymore, the greater point is that by doing what it is God has gifted you to do, you bring glory to Him by revealing His character to the world.

Whether it’s opening your home to a homeless person, teaching the Word, washing someone’s feet, or mowing a widow’s lawn, it’s our opportunity to show the world who God truly is.

There’s no spiritual gift of arguing or fighting. There’s no special dispensation to some for picketing or protesting. I’m not saying those are bad things, but remember the words of Paul in I Corinthians 13 to us.

1 If I could speak in any language in heaven or on earth but didn't love others, I would only be making meaningless noise like a loud gong or a clanging cymbal.

2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be? And if I had the gift of faith so that I could speak to a mountain and make it move, without love I would be no good to anybody.

3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever.

13 There are three things that will endure: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.

Love is the greatest revelation of God’s character. If you can practice and use your gift(s) and build them on the foundation of love, the world can’t help but see the beauty of God’s love for them. And by doing what it is that God has equipped you to do? You make the kingdom of God come crashing down to earth, and people will see Jesus revealed in you.

Now go and reveal His character to your world.