Not Only Actions But Attitudes (Sunday, August 4)

The Word of the Day is “with.” In today’s daily scripture study of Romans 12:6-14, St. Paul lists the “grace-gifts” of the Holy Spirit that are distributed among the members of the church. He states, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6). In today’s reading, the apostle not only urges the faithful to put the Holy Spirit’s gifts to work for ministry. But he is concerned that they do it with attitudes that are worthy of our actions. Today, we will review the qualities that should accompany our service to the Lord and His people.

Not to Give Only but to Give with Generosity

As long as the job is done, does it matter how we do it? Does our attitude make a difference? If we give a meal to someone who is hungry but do it with disdain, doesn’t the person still get fed? And if we give an offering grudgingly, can’t the church still use the money for good?

In our reading of Romans 12:6-14 today, St. Paul lists the “grace-gifts” of the Holy Spirit for ministry in the Body of Christ. But when we read this passage carefully, we find that something must be added to our actions of serving others with these “gifts.” St. John Chrysostom repeatedly qualifies the “gift” with the attitude that should accompany the exercise of it. Chrysostom writes: “See how in every instance he aims after higher degrees; for he does not say “give” only, but “with largess…” (NfPf1: 11, 503)..    

The key to this insight is how often the apostle uses the word “with” as he lists the “grace gifts” of the Spirit.  For example, he says that we are to give with liberality, lead with diligence, show mercy with cheerfulness, and love without hypocrisy. You see, St. Paul not only wants us to do what he advises. The manner of doing is just as important as what is done.

This principle as applies to the virtues that are proper to believers, In each case, Paul speaks of the how the moral characteristic should be practiced. For instance, he speaks of diligence that is not lazy; spirit that is fervent, hope that rejoices, endurance of tribulation that is patient, and praying that is steadfast.

With What Attitudes Do We Use Our Gifts

In summary, if we sort out the words that describe the actions of believers in this passage, we have giving, leading, showing mercy, and loving. Likewise, the attitudes that should go along with our actions are liberality, diligence, cheerfulness, and genuineness. Then, too, if we sort out the virtues that St. Paul cites, we find diligence, spirit, hope, endurance, and prayerfulness. And if we identify the qualities of these traits of character, we have industriousness, fervor, joyfulness, patience, and steadfastness.

For Reflection

In conclusion, we should keep in mind that results are not the only thing that matters when we minister to others. The spirit in which we carry out our service also counts. Chrysostom says that when we add the appropriate attitude to what we do, we “draw the Spirit” to ourselves (NfPf1:11, 503), and the Spirit will abide in us and make our labors in the Lord easy. Moreover, we will “glow with the Spirit” (NfPf1:11, 503) as we serve. Many non-believers love, give to the needy, and serve others. It is the unique attitude of the Spirit that distinguishes those who follow the way of Christ from others.