Mature Believers Affirmation of Spiritual Gifts in Pastors

As I reflect on the affirmation of my gift, I am reminded of the apostle Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, where he writes about the diversity of spiritual gifts and the unity of the Spirit. In my journey, I have been blessed to have encountered mature believers and pastors who have not only acknowledged my gift but have also nurtured and encouraged me to use it for the edification of the body of Christ. These individuals, like Barnabas in Acts 11:24, have been filled with the Holy Spirit and faith, and have seen the potential for my gift to be a blessing to others.

Their affirmation has been a source of great comfort and confirmation, much like the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:23, where He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant." These brothers and sisters in Christ have taken the time to discern my gift, to test it against Scripture, and to provide guidance on how to use it in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. As the writer of Hebrews notes, "Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24), and that is precisely what these mature believers have done for me.

Their affirmation has also been a reminder that my gift is not my own, but a trust from God, as stated in 1 Peter 4:10, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." I am accountable to God and to the body of Christ to use my gift wisely and faithfully. The encouragement of these mature believers has been a powerful reminder of the importance of humility, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and a commitment to using my gift for the glory of God and the building up of His church, as expressed in Ephesians 4:12-13, "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God."