20 PRIZE YOUR MATE’S GIFTS AND TALENTS

“I never knew you could speak in front of a group,” confessed the amazed wife. Her husband had just finished teaching some very significant truths which she had never heard him express.

In order to prize your mate’s gifts, you must first know what they are. How do you discover those gifts and talents? First, go to the gifts listed in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 4. Share with your mate the spiritual giftings you have seen in his life. Then ask your mate to tell you what spiritual gifts he has seen at work in your life. Or, tell your mate what spiritual gifts you believe God has given to you.

Next affirm one another’s talents. Make a list of those talents from each other’s perspectives and experience. Begin to pray over that list of gifts and talents for the Holy Spirit to continue to empower your mate in them.

Finally each of you select one gift and talent that you will pray specifically for and affirm continually each month. Focus on what you have selected both in prayer and affirmation. See how the Spirit increases both the depth and effectiveness of the gifts and talents in your marriage.

Try this: Each of you choose a gift which is not operating effectively in your life right now. Decide to ask God’s Spirit to increase that gift. Pray together.

But earnestly desire the greater gifts.

1 Cor. 12:21