Weekly devotion: How can you use your gifts to serve others?
BLESS, Egypt
Young children enjoy playing and crafts at a BLESS nursery.
This week we are praying for our partner, BLESS, which is the social development arm of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt. BLESS plays a leading role in serving underprivileged and marginalised communities throughout Egypt. Although Egypt is classed as a middle-income country, it struggles with a number of long-running development challenges, and increasing numbers of people are facing poverty given the current economic crisis.
Through its Integrated Community Development Programme, BLESS works through local volunteers to bring about positive change. As well as building the capacities of community groups to deliver services, it works hard to promote literacy, health and economic development in challenging neighbourhoods. There is also a specific focus on empowering women, children and youth, and a strong emphasis on rural and environmental development.
Inspired by their love for God, BLESS works with communities to help them meet their potential, build peace and uphold the dignity of all.
Bible reading
‘Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.’
1 Peter 4: 8-11
Thought
Motivated by God’s love, BLESS works with local people to lift communities up out of poverty. The challenges are huge but these Bible verses remind us that God is a limitless source of strength and wisdom, which we are invited to hold onto. Drawing on God’s strength, instead of relying on ourselves, helps to keep us humble and focused on the needs of others.
Ask yourself: What gifts has God given you? How can you use your gifts to serve others?
Prayer
Loving God,
We thank you for the work that BLESS is doing in marginalised communities in Egypt and for the many lives that are being impacted as a result. We pray that these communities would thrive, flourish and meet their God-given potential.
Help us to be inspired by the example of BLESS in our own lives. We pray that we would be outward-looking rather than inward-looking, and that you would help us to discern how we might use our gifts for the good of others and for your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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