Spiritual Gifts from God: A Daily Self Expression

"Love must be sincere." (Romans 12:9 NIV) Sometimes we may not feel sincere when we feel challenged with our day to day living or perhaps just in dealing with the behaviors or personalities of others at times. Not that we may not try; though a confession, there are probably times we know we could have tried a little harder and just gave the excuse it was too hard or we were too tired or been there and done that so we had the "give up" attitude. Sound familiar?

Ironically, our mental health is more dependent upon our attitude than we may realize. So is our emotion, spiritual and physical health.

Let's explore some other examples of our typical habits and then we'll go from there. This is a safe place to do so since it is just you and this screen and/or this article - no one is judging you or criticizing your thoughts, history or concerns.

There may be occasions when we have noticed, perhaps, how intelligent someone else was on a specific topic and internally wished, "I sure would like to be as smart as her/him." Or maybe it was meeting someone who completed a task regardless of their background or life challenges, such as getting a college degree and we say to ourselves, "I wish I would have done things differently and did that too." Sometimes it is just wishing we had something the other person had, such as their good looks, the home or vehicle they have or perhaps the kind of relationship it appears they have with their spouse or family. It doesn't matter what religion, belief system, nationality, race, age or even gender you are - you have experienced the sense of envy at one time or another and in one form or another of other people.

It could even be that someone can recall scripture easily and effortlessly, whereas you may not. Or perhaps another person has a great memory for prior conversations and can even quote things you have said, when you cannot even remember what you did last week!

This is another example of being envious of the "gifts" or abilities of others.

Now let's take a look on the flip side of how we may also respond to the "gifts" and/or abilities of others. This will also give us a little insight to our own mental state, as well as how we might allow that state of being carry us into a deeper emotion that has its effect upon us and even those around us, which we will discuss a bit further after these examples for exploration.

Some occasions we may notice after seeing, for example, that the person who may have the good memory for prior conversations and quoting various things that I am unable to recall on my own; instead of expressing acknowledgment and appreciation for this persons gift and ability -I find, because of my envy and thus personal insecurity leading to resentment which I have kept hidden from others and possibly from myself; I choose to react with anger and hostility towards that person and may even choose to degrade that persons gift in some manner in order to hide how I am really feeling.

Or in a situation where someone may have large sums of money in which they are very generous and share that with the less fortunate, which is the gift of generosity -out of my envy to be able to do that I may find myself judging them not doing enough such as fulfilling other gifts (which may not belong to them and may even belong to me since it is what I have suddenly become aware of, yet are not acting upon, but am judging another on -believing it is theirs to do) above and beyond what they have already completed that I think they should do -such as inviting them home to get to know them better and extending hospitality and being more personally involved in the individual's lives to promote friendships and share testimonies of good will.

What we see here is a realization that our own internal mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well being can, in general, rely strongly on our own conscious choices when directed by our attitude.

We may notice in these two examples how quickly the mental state and attitude led the emotional state into overreacting and even creating difficulty where it potentially could have been prevented by one who had an attitude of clarity, centeredness and understanding of their own abilities and sense of security in them.

A few folks may still ask, how exactly can my attitude affect my health and well-being? The reality is that your mental and emotional state of being has been proven to affect you physical health, as it causes direct stress to the body. When the body is under stress and continues to have varying degrees of stress and increasingly, it can cause minor illnesses due to the weakened immune system, such as colds/flues to higher risks factors; especially with less healthy dietary habits, such as risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, weight gain, obesity, blot clots, heart attack, depression, anxiety, etc. (1)

As we continue to explore how our attitude can affect our own health and well-being, we can also take the opportunity to see how we may realize the true nature of our own gifts and abilities and successfully express them. This is an actual intricate part of our self expression and creativity as a human being. At the same time, we can discover how, in being aware of our own attitude towards accepting and appreciating what we offer -not only do we improve the quality of our life and well being; we also have a positive effect on those around us and consciously make better choices in accepting and uplifting the self-esteem of others as well regarding what they have to offer and in the manner in which they offer their gifts and abilities.

Romans 12:6-8 (NIV) "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."

We see here that scripturally it is even recorded to use according to ones own faith -not according to the faith or as directed by another human being. It also says repeatedly to let the person use that gift, whatever it may be. It does not say to have them withhold it, hide it or not let anyone know this is your gift or to be ashamed in anyway. Nor does it say that one must use the gifts of others as well, in order to justify ones own gift or to maintain any worth or value in the gift one offers. In essence, this scripture indicates we are to use our gifts to its fullest potential, use them well and to benefit all that it is intended, according to how we are guided by our own faith and awareness and to do so joyfully in good esteem.

When we truly grasp this realization and become aware or see at the heart level of our being; it is then that we realize no need to find fault with another for not being anymore that what they are in the expression of whatever gifts they have or how they may express them.

When we observe someone not expressing well in their own abilities, we find ourselves able to return words of support, encouragement and uplifting discipline or criticism (if we are directed to do so) that raises self-esteem and allows a person to still feel accepted and grow in their own gifts without feeling they have to be "like" someone else to be loved or feel "less than" because the don't "measure up" to their own full potential or someone else's mentally created expectation.

We are also able to feel secure enough in our own existence to become aware of our attitude and consciously choose what thoughts and actions we want to have that will have the effect on our relationships and our health to match our truest and most inner desire of peace, contentment and well-being.

Romans 12:9-21 (NIV) "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.

On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." {Note: In Jesus' time, his original language was Aramaic. The word "evil" in translation means, "wrong, wickedness, error."} (2)

Through the expression of our own gifts and acknowledging and uplifting the gifts and abilities of one another -we realize that God, the Creator, truly speaks and works in our lives, with us, through us and for us each and every day, in every way. We are graced and blessed to have the opportunity to partake in that because it is through us with these expressions and abilities, as well as the opportunity to work together, loving, caring, and accepting one another in our differences that create the "strength" in numbers and working together for the benefit of a higher good.

The beauty in the life lessons, is the graciousness of mercy; when we error, we have forgiveness readily available and are allowed to start fresh when we are clear of that lesson learned. "Cling to what is good. Be joyful in hope. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge. Love must be sincere."

It is good to remember these also apply to the inner self as well -acts of sincere love and kindness within; as only what abides within is all that you can express fully to others outwardly. In other words, if you secretly loathe your self then there is no room for gentle kindness and compassionate love. Therefore, you have not the type of gentle kindness and compassionate love required to share with others, be it your family, spouse, friends or a stranger in need.

You will not be receptive to receiving this form of expression either; or if it is expressed you may deny it to be trustworthy or find ways to reject it because you do not feel worthy of this kind of love and compassion.

This lesson helps us to realize that we must be open and vulnerable to our gifts and abilities as well as to give and receive to be "strong" in that very gift and ability, or to grow in it.

The same applies to our relationships, which in having healthy relationships, it also is proven to support healthier bodies and minds and even add years to our life span. (3) Such is the analogy, if you squeeze an orange, you will get orange juice. So if life gives you a little squeeze, what will come out? A little laughter... a little anger... some resistance, frustration or calm, peace and understanding? Become aware of what is in you and then you are empowered to change it.

In realizing ones gift(s) or abilities, it is not to say, that a person may not be gifted in more areas than one, or perhaps a person is just especially gifted in only one area -however, it doesn't give a reason to, for example, not gift or share, because it is not your "literal" gift and prophecy is your true ability.

It does mean to grow and become aware, and as the rest of the scriptures state in essence, if we are acting in sincere love, then we will still show mercy when it is needed, we will serve when it is needed and do the best we can to do good and not respond with unkindness -even in the face of the same; all to the best of our own faith and abilities, supporting and encouraging each other, in our families, friends, and churches, etc to do the same.

May you know peace in your life journey.

(1) http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/stress-heart-attack-risk

(2) Holy Bible - From the Ancient Eastern Test; Translation from The Aramaic of the Peshitta by George M. Lamsa {notation referencing the word "evil" and its translation in St. Matthew 6:13.}

(3) The Dr. Oz Show: www.doctoroz.com/