1 Peter 4:10 10As each has received a gift unto themselves, for serving one another as good stewards of God’s manifold grace.
Each person is unique and special. Our uniqueness comes from many different factors, including genetics, upbringing, choices in life, and God’s work in us. All these are part of God’s grace in us as special creatures in his image. We are his pottery art, and he keeps forming us into vessels he can use for wonderful purposes. Each person has received a gift(charisma). This word is related to grace (charitos) and captures the image of receiving a special favor or kindness from God. This gift is not for selfish purposes, although using this gift may help our self-image to improve. Because this gift come as grace to us, as the outflow of God’s grace, it should be extended and expressed as love to others.
One way to express this love is through serving or ministering (diakonountes) to one another. In the context of verse 9, this service can be shown through hospitality. However, this service can be expressed in countless ways, as Peter gives several examples in verse 11. We are called to serve others as expressions of God’s grace working in us and changing us to model his holy love. Peter calls his readers to love one another (4:8), be hospitable to one another (4:9), and serve one another (4:10).
Serving others is at the heart of being a Christian because it models Jesus, who served by washing his disciples feet (John 13) and giving his life for our salvation (Philippines 2:5-11). We cannot show love without serving. The Holy Spirit can guide us into ways of expressing this love as service. Serving is part of our obligation and obedience as believers. A steward (oikonomoi) was responsible for taking care of a Greco-Roman household. Believers are responsible for God’s family. As good stewards, we can look for opportunities to be of service, both to those who are friends and those who make life difficult.