Devotion 28 October 2026
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each belongs to all the others. Romans 12: 4-5
READING: Romans 12: 3-8
Paul in this letter to the Romans tells us to measure ourselves by the faith given to us by Jesus, not by our own opinion. Apart from Jesus we can do nothing, but through Him we can achieve much. In our own power we will find it much more difficult to succeed. We are unable to in our own strength and merit to gain God’s acceptance of us. He calls us and gives us our faith in Him according to His will.
Paul uses the model of our own bodies which are composed of many parts and each part has its own function. So, the Body of the Church comprises many people, each with his or her own gift, given by the Holy Spirit from God. Christ is responsible for every gift and talent that we have, given for the work of the Kingdom. We maybe gifted with different gifts at various times according to the specific need of that situation. We may have similar gifts to other people but we use them differently because we all have different personalities and find ourselves in different circumstances. Paul lists some of the gifts in our reading. He speaks of prophesy, serving, teaching, encouraging, sharing with others, leadership, and having mercy. Regardless of what gift or gifts we are given Paul says we should not boast or show pride in them. Through prayer and the study of God’s Word we can discover our place in the Church and what gift we have to offer. What ever we accomplish we should give all the honour and glory to God. Whatever gift we are given we should use it cheerfully. In Colossians 3 : 17 we read, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” And in 2 Corinthians 9 : 8 we read, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Prayer
“Teach us, Lord, to serve you as You deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that we do Your will.” May we always give glory to Your Name. Amen (Ignatius of Loyola)
