Romans 1:11
[11] For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— (ESV)
When I was a child I used to love it when we got company. It might have been a relative or possibly a friend of the family. It would not be too unusual for the guest who came to visit to bring some sort of gift. This was especially true if it were a visit from my grandparents. It was probably something small, but it was special.
The Apostle Paul tells the church at Rome that he wants to be their guest, and he would like to bring gifts with him for everyone. What kind of gifts would he bring? The reality is more that Paul would help them to all see the gifts that God has for them. The gifts are spiritual gifts and would be for the strengthening of the believers.
It is interesting that Paul speaks in several places in the New Testament about spiritual gifts (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12). This was something that Paul knew about. These gifts ultimately had their source in God himself. They were to be used to be an edification to the body of Christ. Paul wants the body of Christ to be strengthened with these gifts.
Paul has the genuine heart of a pastor. He sees a body of believers as a collection of gifted servants. They all have received some gift from the Savior. Paul coming to "impart" a spiritual gift is more of him helping people to realize the gifts that they have already received and helping them to discover ways to put those gifts into use for the benefit of the body.
If Paul were to come to visit you he would have a gift. He would help you to discover what God has given you. Do you know what gift you have as a believe in Christ? If so, how are you using it to be a blessing to the body of Christ? If you are unsure of your gift speak to your Pastor. Ask him to help you discover your gift and to find you a place in the church to use it.
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