Special gifts
Bible Reading: Read 1 Peter 4:8-11
Author: Mary Hunt Webb (New Mexico, US)
Author: Mary Hunt Webb (New Mexico, US)
Wednesday 4 November 2026 © The Upper Room.
My mother had the gift of hospitality. Even when we had very little money, she would whip up a spaghetti dinner with lots of steaming pasta and tasty sauce. Then she would make a big green salad and a lovely cake. At times we would have as many as 15 people squeezed into our tiny home for a meal. I’ve tried to imitate her way of entertain- ing people, but I feel inadequate. I admire my mother’s way of showing hospitality; but it’s just not my gift.
However, I have taught English to a classroom of 30 adults from other countries, including some that did not speak any language that I know. I have taught Bible classes, Spanish and sign language as well. Teaching is my gift. As long as I can feed people information instead of food, I do well. Once I stopped trying to imitate my mother and started using the gifts God gave me, I relaxed and became more confident. Over time I have realised that we each have unique abilities that we can use to serve God and
others.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to recognise the special abilities that you have instilled in us and to use them in service to you. Amen
