When you receive a gift, what do you think of first? Maybe you start with gratitude for the giver.  Maybe you wonder about the cost of the gift.  Maybe you begin to imagine how to put the gift to use.  I'm guessing, however, that your first thought isn't, "I wonder who I can give this to..."

Gifts are meant for the people they are given to.  When you unwrap something from the shiny paper and pretty bow, the adventure begins for the person who gave you the gift.  They watch your face when you become aware of what you have received and wonder what your response will be.  Will you treasure it?  Will you be disappointed?  What will your body language say?

This week, as we continue our series on First Corinthians, A Better Way, you will have the chance to begin the process of discovering the gifts that God has given you.  The Apostle Paul ends chapter 12 by describing some of the spiritual gifts that God has given to His people.  God is vitally interested in our response to the gifts we are given by the Holy Spirit.  What we choose to do with our gifts is a life-altering decision, both for ourselves and others.  As we read through 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3, we'll be reminded that every spiritual gift from God is not just for us: all of them are meant to be for the benefit of others.