Seeds and Flowers

Day 14: Five strengths you have.

This makes me laugh, but it's way easier for me to list out my weaknesses than it is for me to list my strengths!  It's uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be.  All transformation in me brings glory to the Lord.  I don't want to be ashamed to speak these things.

I recently took a test to see my top spiritual gifts.  I'll list those for my first three strengths.  The second two will be qualities others have called out in me.

1.) Mercy.  The Lord has certainly placed compassion for the needy on my heart.  In the same way, I have mercy on people who have often been cast out of society as unwanted or forgotten.  I have been given a huge heart for orphans, for the homeless, for the addicts, for the broken.

"This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.'" -Zechariah 7:9

2.) Knowledge.  I have been given a strong memory.  When I read, it's easy for me to understand.  I have a love for studying the Bible and memorizing verses.  This has been so helpful in being able to give sturdy, Biblical advice and also in sharing the Gospel.

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ." -2 Corinthian 4:6

3.) Evangelism.  I have been taught well in this area, by my parents and other godly leaders in my life.  I am confident in the truth and power of the Gospel.  It brings me so much joy to share the Gospel!  Of course, I still feel shy and uncomfortable sometimes, but I do love sharing the Gospel.  One friend called out in me once a quality of being able to share the Gospel in words that are easy to understand.

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." -1 Peter 3:15

4.) Love.  Last year, I was a counselor for a Christian camp.  My prayer teamer sat several of us in a circle and described the fruits of the spirit she thought fit each of us best.  Mine was love.  One of the reasons she gave was because I was currently being persecuted by someone at school who called himself an atheist and daily mocked me for my faith.  My heart was broken for him; he was so lost, so loved by God.  I loved him so much, not in a romantic way but in a way that I could see a glimpse of Christ's relentless love for this angry, stubborn boy.  It's often easy for me to love people that are often unloved by the world.  I think this goes with my spiritual gift of mercy.  When I see people, I see the Lord's desire to offer them grace and redemption. 

5.) Quiet.  Yesterday, I shared timidity as one of my weaknesses.  I never want to call out being an introvert as a weakness.  Timidity is weakness; quietness is not.  The Lord created me to have a quiet spirit.  My voice is even quiet!  This was how I was created and the Lord created me with love and purpose.  If you were created with a quiet spirit, do not be ashamed.  This was something given to you by a God who often comes in the form of a whisper.  He is a God of peace and rest.  Quietness can be a very good thing.

...the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. -1 Peter 3:4

What are 5 strengths you have?

One year ago: Love Wins.
Two years ago: Unafraid, Yet Terrified