Introduction

Bible Point: God gives us gifts to serve others.

Key Verse: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). 

Big Picture: Identify your spiritual gifts and use them to serve God. 

This week, you’ll be learning about the gifts God has given you, gifts that are meant to make a difference. In middle school, people start to notice differences: who’s the fastest, the best at math, the most musical, or the funniest. But the gifts God gives aren’t about being the best. They’re about how you can serve and love others. No matter who you are, God has given you something special to use for good. Get ready to explore what your gifts might be, and how you can use them to serve God and others.

Try This 

As a family, try to find a one-dollar gift for each  member of your family that represents one of  their God-given spiritual gifts or abilities. For  instance, you might get an eraser for a family  member who is very quick to forgive. Or you  might find a fishing lure to represent a family  member who has the gift of evangelism. After  buying the gifts, have a celebration and give  the gifts to one another. 

Daily Challenge 

• STILL not sure what your spiritual gifts  are? Consult with your teacher or other  leader in your church and let them help  you discover your gifts and explore how  you can start using them. 

• PUT your gifts into motion. For instance,  if your gift is encouraging, make it a  point to encourage three or four people.  If your gift is service, serve God by caring  for someone else’s physical needs. 

• GO beyond your obvious gifts—stretch  yourself. Could you help out in the  nursery? Is there a service project you’d  like to get involved in? Is there someone  you really need to tell Jesus about, but  have been too shy to approach? Ask for  God’s help, and then take a step in faith  and see where God takes you.