This article was contributed by Annette Jones, NCEA Assistant Director of Leadership Development.
Corinthians 12:4-11
There are many gifts, but the same Spirit, there are different ministries but the same Lord; there are different works but the same God who accomplishes all of them in everyone. To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one the Spirit gives wisdom in discourse, to another the power to express knowledge. Through the Spirit one receives faith; by the same Spirit another is given the gift of healing, and still another miraculous powers. Prophecy is given to one; to another power to distinguish one spirit from another. One receives the gift of tongues, another that of interpreting the tongues. But it is one and the same Spirit who produces all these gifts, distributing them to each as he wills.
As we embark on the New Year, let us practice affirming others and their gifts.
The Gift of One’s Name
- Call people by name. One’s name is the most powerful asset a person has.
The Gift of Praise
- Compliment appropriately the other person’s qualities, relational skills or a job well-done.
The Gift of Consideration
- Be careful of the other person’s feelings, including seeing his or her viewpoint with compassion and humility.
The Gift of Gratitude
- Remember to say “thank you.”
The Gift of Your Listening
- Demonstrate genuine concern for the speaker by resisting distractions responding to their feelings, and being truly present.
