(a) What advice did Paul give on the use of individual talents in his Epistle to the Romans? (b) Identify two ways of applying your talents.

(a) Paul's advice on the use of individual talents (Romans 12:3-8)

Paul teaches that every believer has received grace and gifts from God, and that these differ from one member to another just as the human body has many members with different functions. He urges each Christian not to think of himself more highly than he ought, but to think soberly, according to the measure of faith God has given him. Just as the parts of one body work together, so believers form one body in Christ and are members one of another. Therefore each person should humbly recognise his own gift and use it faithfully for the good of the whole body. Paul lists examples of these gifts:

• Prophecy, to be used in proportion to one's faith.
• Service (ministry), to be devoted to serving.
• Teaching, to be used in teaching.
• Exhortation (encouragement), to be used in encouraging others.
• Giving (contributing), to be done with liberality and generosity.
• Leadership (ruling), to be exercised with diligence.
• Acts of mercy, to be shown with cheerfulness.

The gifts are not for personal pride but for building up the community in humility, love and cooperation.

(b) Two ways of applying your talents

1. Serving in the church and community: Using one's ability in teaching, singing, preaching, leadership or acts of mercy to build up others and advance God's work.
2. Generous giving and helping the needy: Sharing one's material resources, skills or time cheerfully to meet the needs of others in society.