I’m continuing to go through Peter’s first epistle. So far in this section, he’s talked about the leadership characteristics of self-control, love, and hospitality. The next one ties them all together.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10 NIV
The word for gift in this verse is the Greek word, charisma. The root is charis, which means grace. So, Peter is talking about grace-gifts in this verse.
The thing about grace-gifts that we need to know is they are not like normal presents that we receive. These are gifts that God gives, but He still maintains control over them. The Lord tells you how He wants you to use them. You’ve received them from God. Now you must serve – wait on – one another.
By doing this, you become an administrator of God’s grace. The literal word used there is a house-distributor. That was the title given to the servant in charge of the house while the master was away.
We receive grace gifts from God. Then, we serve, wait on one another. God has made us administrators of His grace.
This verse says that you must administer the different graces of God. That’s something we’re missing in our generation of Christianity. It requires spiritual sensitivity.
First, I must recognize the graces I’ve received. Then I must distribute them to those God has called me to minister to.
Here’s the problem: Brother Jones has the grace of the healing gifts. But he wants to do nothing in the church and only shows up once a month. Pastor Nick wants to see people healed and prays for everybody – with no results. This is the condition of much of the church today.
What is your grace-gift given by the Lord? Is it encouragement, wealth, teaching, healing, prophecy, helps, intercession, etc.?
That’s why Paul says…
As God’s fellow workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.
2 Corinthians 6:1 NIV
If Paul is giving us this warning, then it’s possible to receive God’s grace in vain. That means you received it and don’t use it.
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 NIV
The Bible says that we are both servants and house managers. The key to these positions is being faithful. We are to receive grace, and we give grace.
Why does there seem to be no grace in some churches? It’s not being distributed. The more grace distributed, greater the flow of God’s power is seen.
Question: How open are you to distribute God’s grace?
© 2025 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 