Reading:
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is
given to us, whether prophecy, let
us prophesy
according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let
us wait
on our
ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that
exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let
him do it
with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth
mercy, with cheerfulness. Let
love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to
that which is good. Be
kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour
preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in
spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in
tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the
necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which
persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do
rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be
of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but
condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Commentary:
While the Lord gives all His children the same grace and
forgiveness of sins through Christ, from this same grace comes
different gifts in different measure by the Spirit. Whatever
spiritual gifts God has given us, we are to use such to God's glory
and not our own self-exaltation (which would be a gross abuse of
grace). Following this there are general admonitions. Love without
dissimulation is a true and genuine love, not feigned or false. We
are also to be kind to one another, in "honour preferring one
another." We honor or exalt other people, rather than seeking
honor ourselves. We are also not to be lazy nor slothful, but
fervent in the spirit. "Rejoicing in hope; patient in
tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." When afflicted we
should patiently wait in faith for the Lord's relief. "Rejoice
with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." We
are to have in our heart true and genuine sympathy for our fellow
Christian who is hurting. If they are blessed with good news and
joy, we also rejoice with them, though times may be hard for us.
"Mind
not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in
your own conceits."
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