In order to use your God given gifts you often need to connect with other people, reach out to others, make meaning, try new things or new ways. There is potential for mistakes, for change, for learning new ways; it is risky.
God gifts us innate abilities and potential, in order to build up God’s kingdom here on earth. Self preservation and clinging to what is familiar, can interfere with being receptive to discernment and opportunity.
God is not threatening and punishing if we do the wrong thing. Our mistakes are forgiven, the kingdom of God is assured. “For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance…” God has not intended us for wrath but for salvation. That is what Jesus came to tell us, to show us – that we are loved.