RR Charis in Community By David Harwood

Shavuah Tov,

Let’s show favor to those who belong to the Lord. How? One way is by serving them through the charismata (manifestations of favor), the gifts of the Ruach ha-Kodesh.

As each one has received a gift (charisma – manifestation of favor), use it to serve one another, as good stewards of the many-sided grace (charis/favor) of God. (1 Peter 4:10)

Romans 12 describes the distribution of diverse charismata. In the midst of these descriptions we read a vital command: “... outdo one another in giving honor. (Romans 12:10)“

We steward with each other the charismata found in the community. In Romans 12:10 we are exhorted to honor both the gift (charisma) and the gift-bringers. Paul gave direction for the expression and development of charismata: we are to honor others who administer aspects of the manifold expressions of God’s favor.

It is necessary to respect the growing process of each steward as they progress, even somewhat haltingly, in godly spiritual maturity and in effectively exercising their stewardship. Don’t expect perfection. Honor the practitioner. Encourage growth. Growth in godly character revealed in relational shalom provides a foundation for a growing, wholesome expression of the charismata. These diverse manifestations of charis are a means through which we may express God’s love.

Here’s an instance wherein the diversity of charismata was recognized as necessary.

According to the grace (charis/favor) of God which was given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it.. (1 Corinthians 3:10a)

Later in 1 Corinthians Paul taught that there are spiritual charismata which are distributed to the Body through various persons. Also, there are individuals who are given as gifts to the community of believers. Paul listed some of these functions in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4.

Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 12.

God has put into His community first emissaries, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then healings, helps, leadership, various kinds of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:28)

God has so favored the community of believers that He has appointed gift-bringing believers to be vitally connected to the Messianic Community. They are “gifted” to regularly impart those charismata to others. They convey gifts. These gifts are primarily for those who receive the benefit of the gifts. For instance, consider the gifts of healing. These manifestations-of-favor are for those who need healing, not the “healer”.

Who are these people God has “put into His community” for the benefit of those He loves? (1 Corinthians 12:28)  These are those who have so faithfully stewarded their stewardship of charismata that they became manifestations of the gifts through which they are called to serve.

This happens when disciples progressively steward the charismata they’ve received to the extent that life on their own terms becomes terminated. They develop a specific charism and, sort of, become an “incarnation” of what they stewarded.

Let’s consider Paul’s exhortation to Roman home congregations.

We have gifts (charismata/manifestations-of-favor) that differ according to the grace (charis/favor) that was given to us—if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; or the one who teaches, in his teaching; or the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who gives, in generosity; the one who leads, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:6–8)

This may be too simple, but consider this: Those consistently prophesying through the favor/grace they’ve received may become prophets. Those, who through the charis they’ve received, consistently render service are most likely to become servant-leaders (deacons). Those who receive a charism of teaching may mature in their gift and become... etc.

Through love, release God’s charis to those with whom you fellowship. Receive the personal charis offered you so you may manifest that charism and build up the Body. Be faithful in what you’ve received through the affectionate favor of God.

Consider the end of the parable of the talents.

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful with a little, so I’ll put you in charge of much. Enter into your master’s joy!’ (Matthew 25:21)

You have something to look forward to.

May love motivate your service.  

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun21-Jun-20266th of Tamuz, 5786
Nu 19:1-20:6Jer 48Ezr 62 Co 8 (Lk 6:27-49)