Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ
Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture
"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." 1 Peter 4:10 NLT
Thoughts for Today
God has given each of us gifts—and he wants us to use those gifts to serve one another. Galatians 5:13 admonishes us to "serve one another in love."
We each have a responsibility to develop our gifts and use them to serve others. We are to serve one another in the family of God in love … and reach out with that same loving service to those outside the church, demonstrating the love of Christ to them.
Consider this …
Sometimes we might not appreciate the gifts God has given us. We might look at someone else and think I wish I could do what they do … I wish I had that talent or organizational ability or their way with people. It is important that each of us recognizes and appreciates—and uses—the special gifts God has given us. Only then can we fully accomplish his purpose for our lives.
Some of us might just ignore a gift, letting it lie dormant. Or we may use it in other ways, but not to serve others. Let us ask him to help us develop a servant's heart.
Prayer
Father, thank you for the gifts you have given me. Help me not to neglect them or get sidetracked in the way I use them. Teach me to use them to serve others in your love. Give me a servant's heart. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Understanding Depression: Overcoming Despair through Christ by Donald G. Miles, Ed.D. This study deals with depression, a condition common throughout the world, and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
Would you like to have these devotions appear daily on your church or ministry website? Learn More
©Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org