Notes from Yukiko’s Desk

Dear AGAC whanau,

In the second reading assigned for this Sunday, Paul talks about “gifts.”

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us (Rom. 12:6) ‘Gifts' and ‘talents' are often used synonymously, but they have distinct meanings. ‘Gifts' can be all-encompassing, various meanings and functions across cultures and contexts (e.g. cheerfulness is a gift, but not a talent). More precisely, talents can be self-developed; a gift always requires a giver. In Paul's reminder; “not to think of ourselves too highly” (12:3), we are urged to have humility and to see the skills we have as being given to us, rather than something that we can take credit for.

The gifts that we possess are endowed by God and serve a greater purpose. If we hold that mindset, rather than the mindset of the world, then we can begin to view the gifts we have been given as something that should be shared with those around us rather than something that we are praised.

I am inviting you to ponder what gifts you have been given by God and how these could be used to serve others.

May we be good custodians of God’s gifts.

God’s grace,

Yukiko

    
                                                        <img width="768" height="466" src="/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/13f491c8-a66c-452c-959b-5c0f7e577195-768x466.png" alt="" srcset="/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/13f491c8-a66c-452c-959b-5c0f7e577195-768x466.png 768w, /wp-content/uploads/2026/08/13f491c8-a66c-452c-959b-5c0f7e577195-300x182.png 300w, /wp-content/uploads/2026/08/13f491c8-a66c-452c-959b-5c0f7e577195.png 782w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />