On the seventh day of Christmas

my True Love gave to me:

Seven Spirit gifts

I admit, this one is a bit arbitrary. Feel free to think of a better one.

This comes from Romans 12:6-8:

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."

Prophecy: public speaking in a church setting, with insight into the human condition and circumstances. In this sense, many call C.S. Lewis a prophet, for critique the modernism that was just beginning to arise in his time.

Ministry: the word is diaconia, or general service. Some have a gift for seeing basic needs ahead of time and planning to get them met.

Teaching: explaining things effectively. R.C. Sproul has been a great teacher of Reformed doctrine, able to put the cookies low enough on the shelf without diluting the truth.

Exhorting: calling us to godliness from the Scriptures. It's a delicate balance, avoiding the guilt trip and the pat on the back. Instead, convicting us of sin and constructively motivating us to believe and live for God. You could also take this as encouraging - Barnabas did this well, and called Paul alongside (recruited!) him in ministry work.

Giving: in God's providence, we don't all have an equal amount of time or money to give. Those who have and give more have been given a gift themselves. Giving is a gift! Notice we are to give with liberality, or sincerity. It's easy to give a lot, with strings attached.

Leading: painting a picture of where we should go, going yourself, and having people follow you there. Not just anyone can "herd cats," as they say. It takes a certain "charisma" and social IQ, and tenacity.

Mercy-showing: kindness and compassion with worldly goods to those in need, like the Good Samaritan. Or being quick to forgive those who have offended you, like Ananias calls persecuting Saul his brother (Acts 9:17).

Thank God for the gifts He has given His people today!