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:
Let’s look at these
gifts individually. Prophesy concerns
the preaching of the Word, so such should be done only according to the “proportion
of faith” which is that faith of Scripture (none should ever teach
contrary). Concerning the gift of
ministry, this is any serving office in the church (office of elder, secretary,
trustee, etc.). “He
that teacheth, on teaching”
so all teachers should diligently focus on teaching only God’s Word.
Exhortation is one who corrects or edifies another, encourages another. He should exhort then “with simplicity”, a
willing heart and clear and simple words.
If we have an office in church with authority, we should rule with
diligence. Likewise mercy should always
be shown, and love should be without “dissimulation”, lacking genuine love. The rest
of this reading is beautiful, showing the proper Christian spirit we should
have at all times toward one another and the stranger.
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