BLESSINGS PASS THROUGH US...

(1 Peter 4:  8 - 11)

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one 
  to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." vs 10

In the four verses  referenced  above,  faith  is  not mentioned, as such.  

It is implied  and is  the very basis of  the  passage.   In verse  8;  "And

above all  things  have fervent  charity  among yourselves:  for  charity 

covers the multitude of sins,"  we see a principle of  sharing resources 

because of the love between believers, and the cleansing that comes as 

we give of ourselves sacrificially. If we hold things loosely, are quick to 

give ourselves and our means, it shows we are, in that respect, like the

Savior.   In  the verses  9-10,  "Use  hospitality one to  another  without 

grudging.  As every  man hath received  the  gift, even so  minister  the 

same one to another, as good stewards of  the manifold grace of God," 

We see the grace of  hospitality offered, freely, as though our personal 

possessions were held in common. There is the sense of joy in the sha-
ring,  since it is without compulsion and the idea: that all we have is a 

gift.   Whether it  is material or  Spiritual  blessing from the  Lord God, 

we are merely channels  through whom it  flows to  those who  have a

need.  The implication here;  people who follow Christ live with hands

stretched out to  assist,  comfort and encourage others whether or not 

these “others” are  in the faith .  The first  responsibility is  family and

brothers  and sisters in Christ.  The word “stewards,” indicates,  those 
of  us who are  blessed,  are not owners of  those blessings or gifts. We 
are merely vessels our  Lord uses to bless others.  Is  it  not  sad to wit-
ness  one who is  “called as  a minister” who has  hands out to  receive 
of others more than stretched out to give. 

   

     Finally we see the purpose of the matter.  Since we take no credit to 

self for   our gifts or blessings,  there is one who gets  glory, praise and 

dominion.   As we begin to understand these principles there is a deep 

sense of humility as  we are aware of  our unworthiness of  the  gift or 

the  praise.   The  Child of  God is  privileged  to  be  used  as a conduit 

of  blessing to others.  When we  become cognizant of  the fact that the 

Creator of  it all deigns to take mind of us and use us in His great plan, 

we must  fall on our faces with the Psalmist,  giving Him thanksgiving 

and praise.

 “If  any man  speak,  let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man 

 minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth; that God in 

 all  things may be glorified  through Jesus Christ, to whom  be praise 

 and dominion for ever and ever, Amen.”  1 Peter 4: 11
                                                                               donporter 7/7/12

    One other thing that occurred to me upon reflection of the blessings 
passing  through us as representatives of Jesus Christ is quite critical.
Timely forgiveness of any who would offend,  even sin against  us, can
be an important  blessing and a testimony as well as cleansing to us as 
believers,  and a positive testimony to the offender.    See:
http://biblicalclarity-don.blogspot.com/2015/12/forgive-us-our-
trespasses-matthew-6.html