THURSDAY

SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:3-21 (1 Corinthians 13)

Some of us may remember an old daily radio broadcast by Paul Harvey called “The Rest of the Story.” If you do not, your parents probably do. In these broadcasts, Paul would recount a true story but wait until the end to reveal a crucial detail, often the name of the person involved, that placed everything in a richer perspective. He would conclude with, “And now you know the rest of the story.” That central element often reframed everything in a profound way.

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul gives us one of those “rest of the story” moments. At the end of chapter 12, after describing the Body of Christ and its many gifts, he writes, “And yet I will show you the most excellent way” (verse 31), and then goes on to speak about the centrality of love. This is the piece that can easily be overlooked in our eagerness to define and deploy what we can do.

Paul points us to the “rest of the story” again in Romans 12. After describing the various ways we are gifted, he emphasizes the central role of love. As you reflect on today’s passage, consider the following:

• Notice how Paul begins his description of the church’s gifts with a reminder about how we should think about ourselves. Why is that significant?

• What do you notice about the way Paul connects the manner in which a gift is exercised with the gift itself?

• In verse 9 and the verses that follow, Paul describes what a gift-sharing community looks like. What stands out to you in that list? If you were to identify “spiritual gifts” from this passage, how might you describe them?

• As you reflect on the passage, what draws your attention most? What do you sense God inviting you to consider?

Take a few moments to share with God in prayer what is on your heart as you reflect on your walk with God in light of this passage.