Your part in the body. Romans 12:6-8 Gifts have been given by God for the benefit of those in the Body of Christ and to be used for the glory of God. Grace to use those gifts is given to us by the Holy Spirit, who distributes those gifts to be used in ways that will bless others. Faith is the element needed to use the gifts in the way God intends. The Holy Spirit is the One who makes appropriate use of those gifts in the house of God. He is able to work in power to fulfill the plans God has for His people.
God is the same today. He has given every believer at least one gift. There are three lists of gifts in Romans 12, 1Corintians 12 and Ephesians 4. Perhaps there are gifts He gives that are not listed but are functioning in cooperation with natural talents people have. The gifts He has given are the same today as they were in the beginning of the Church. The needs are the same in this day and age as they always were and God is still working in the world today in spite of the failures of men.
Through the diversity of gifts, the body of Christ is maintained in spiritual health, matures through those who respond to the ministry of each member, and unifies the body as it continues to grow. Spiritual gifts are to be exercised in love and has in view the day of coming glory when the church of God is all gathered together and the whole body will be a public testimony to the amazing grace of God.
Prophets and apostles were in the foundation of the Church because they revealed the mind of God. Truths that were previously hidden about the Church have become a direct blessing and a gift to the people of God through those who have the gift of prophesy. The ministry of edification, exhortation and comfort begins with the Holy Spirit inspiring the prophet to speak profitably in proportion to his faith. This will be a constant need for the welfare of the Lord's people.
To minister to the material needs of the Lord's people can be a thankless service that can be overlooked or ignored. This gift was exemplified by the Lord Jesus when He came to serve rather than being served. Faithfulness to one's ministry and loyalty towards those who are being served will occupy all of one's times and effort.
Teachers are clear thinkers who have taken the time to prepare to expound the truth of God's Word more perfectly. The Spirit of God enables that person to know how to best present the truth in a way that is understandable to those who are seeking to learn from him. Through his earnest efforts, the Lord Jesus Christ is more clearly known. There is a passion in the teacher to make other believers see the greatness and blessings we have in Christ.
There is a difference in exhortation in that the one who has been gifted in this way, appeals to those being exhorted to act on what has been taught by the teacher and understood with the mind. Without reservation but with focused concern, the exhorter motivates those by using the gift he has been given so that obedience follows understanding.
It is not an easy work to rule and lead the saints of God. Words are not enough to use in carrying out the expectations and needs of the office of the bishop. They are to watch over the people in their care with diligence. Sacrifices are necessary to organize and manage the work of the assembly. A certain vision of the needs of the flock in the future is needed as well as dealing with issues and problems that are presently affecting the work of the assembly. The Spirit of God does raise those up and gives them care and concern for the people of God.
To actually take the time to gladly care for the needs of others is not a common response of most people. We would rather have our needs met by others and be served by others, than be willing to serve others. To cheerfully show mercy with a joyful spirit is truly a gift from God. A sad countenance does not make an act of mercy less valuable, but it does not raise the spirit of one who needs to be comforted. There is great value in being able to empathize with genuine sympathy when visiting those who are sick and afflicted. Cheerfulness ("hilarious") merciful giving opens up the heart of one who is going through a difficult time. The Holy Spirit of God gives great value to the attitude of one believer towards another as well as the acts of mercy he does.
God Himself supplies this variety of gifts so the needs of all the people in the house of God are met. A person of faith is a visionary who is thankful and counts it a privilege to serve God by serving people. We need to know what God has enabled us to do best, and do it with our heart as to the Lord and not unto men.