What are spiritual gifts and how do I recognize them? What is my purpose in life? How will I know my specific spiritual gifts? Will there be an extraordinary experience that allows me to recognize the gifts given by God? These are questions asked by many people on a daily basis. Some people may learn the wanted answers and some people will keep searching. Others will remember God has a plan and the fact of having spiritual gifts will be accepted. The need to know how, when, where, and why may unfold in time or not.
There are various places in Scripture that provide a spiritual gifts list. The New Testament shares passages which mention spiritual gifts. The most detailed and well known passage about spiritual gifts is 1 Corinthians 12:1-31. In this Scripture, the Apostle Paul describes a variety of gifts, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. He emphasizes that all these gifts are from the same Spirit and are given for the common good.
The Bible shares that there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit and a variety of activities, but God is the one who empowers them all (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NIV).
Perhaps our spiritual gifts change from moment to moment, day to day, depending on how we are able to share the love of Christ.
Some days, my spiritual gift might be faith as I lean on God during a particularly difficult situation. I have faith that God will guide me through the journey. Another day, my spiritual gift might be helps, as I reach out to offer help to others in need. When I serve as an Elder and Deacon in the church, I am using my spiritual gifts. Another time, I share my gifts by offering a lending ear to a grieving friend.
I want to be alert and ready to share the love of God in every moment. Let's dive into what types of spiritual gifts there are, how to identify yours, how to develop and nurture the gifts God has given you, as well as some common misconceptions about spiritual gifts.
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are given to build up the church, share His message, and glorify God. Paul shares in Scripture that there are a variety of gifts. These special gifts are given through the Holy Spirit. One person may have the gift of faith, another person may have the gift of healing, while someone else may be gifted with prophecy or one of the other spiritual gifts listed in the Bible.
Have you ever taken a spiritual gift assessment? You may have learned about an area where you are already excelling, or you may have learned of an area God is calling you to focus on.
Administration, being an apostle, discernment, evangelism, exhortation, faith, giving, healing, helps, hospitality, knowledge, leadership, mercy, prophecy, serving, speaking in tongues, teaching or shepherding, and wisdom. There may be times when one area of our spiritual gifts is stronger than other times.
Think of ways you have shared your gifts with others. Have you helped a neighbor? Have you served a meal at a homeless shelter? Maybe you have shared the Gospel with a stranger? Do you serve in your church? Have you donated clothing, food, or funds?
God calls us and equips us. When we have doubt in our ability, that doubt is not from God. When questions arise, go to God and ask for His guidance.
A Comprehensive List of the Spiritual Gifts
Researching and searching for a list of spiritual gifts may take time and effort. Some notes include only part of the lists, while other notes provide a detailed list. Scripture shares the lists of gifts in Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, and 1 Peter.
Spiritual gifts:
Leadership: encouraging and helping others to build the kingdom of God (Romans 12:8 NIV)
Administration: helping with long term goals and remaining on task ( 1 Cor. 12:28 NIV)
Teaching: instructing in truths and doctrines of God’s Word
Knowledge: teaching and discipleship. The ability to learn, know and explain God’s Word
Wisdom: the ability to discern works of the Holy Spirit and apply teaching and actions
Prophecy: proclaiming the Word of God with boldness (Romans 12:6 NIV)
Discernment: being able to recognize the truth about a situation
Exhortation: people with this gift are enthusiastic about the Lord and they can motivate others
Shepherding: looking out for the spiritual welfare of others
Faith: trusting God to fulfill His plan. People with this gift are encouragers
Evangelism: the building up of the church so others will be led to Christ
Apostleship: motivators, church planters, missionaries: people who look beyond the walls
Service/Helps: helping those in need of practical assistance (Romans 12:7 NIV)
Mercy: The person with this gift shows acts of compassion
Giving: People with this gift will give freely and with joy to further His kingdom
Hospitality: Making people feel welcome, appreciated, and wanted (1 Peter 4:9 NIV)
Do you recognize your gift? Do you see more than one area where you feel gifted? Are you a Sunday School teacher, an Elder or Deacon in your church, a volunteer in the church office, or do you serve on the church prayer committee? Do you pray for others? These are different ways spiritual gifts are used to show His love and to bring people closer to Him.
How to Identify and Nuture Your Spiritual Gifts
Will we know how to use our spiritual gifts the moment we receive them? Just as we strengthen our faith and walk with the Lord through studying Scripture, sharing conversation with God, and worshipping Him, our gifts may strengthen as we use them.
Exploring and nurturing your spiritual gifts is truly a rewarding journey! It's all about discovering the unique talents God has given you and seeing how they can deepen your faith and make a real difference in your community. Let's walk through practical tips to help you figure out and develop these gifts in your own life:
1. Prayer and Reflection
Begin with prayer, asking God to reveal your spiritual gifts to you. Spend time in meditation and reflection, listening for God’s guidance. Sometimes, spiritual gifts are revealed through insights during these quiet times with the Lord.
2. Study Scripture
The Bible outlines various spiritual gifts and provides examples of these gifts in action. Familiarize yourself with passages like Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. These scriptures not only list gifts but also show how they contribute to the life of the church.
3. Seek Feedback
Often, others around us can see what we might not notice ourselves. Ask trusted friends, family members, or church leaders if they notice any particular talents or gifts in you. Their observations can be very insightful and affirming.
4. Experiment with Different Ministries
Get involved in various church activities and ministries. Whether it's helping with the youth, participating in the music ministry, or assisting with community outreach, engaging in different services can help you discover where your strengths and passions lie.
5. Attend Workshops or Classes
Many churches offer workshops, seminars, or classes focused on discovering and nurturing spiritual gifts. These can provide valuable tools and knowledge to help identify your gifts and learn how to develop them effectively.
6. Practice and Evaluate
As you start to identify potential gifts, put them into practice. Whether it’s teaching a Bible study, offering counsel, or organizing events, use your gifts actively. Reflect on your experiences and evaluate what feels fulfilling and where you seem to have the most impact.
7. Mentorship and Guidance
Seek mentorship from someone in your church or faith community who is experienced in spiritual matters. A mentor can provide guidance, encouragement, and feedback as you explore and develop your spiritual gifts.
8. Continual Growth and Education
Spiritual gifts can always be enhanced through further education and personal growth. Continue studying, practicing, and praying to evolve your gifts. Remember, nurturing your spiritual gifts is an ongoing process that flourishes with commitment and dedication.
By embracing these steps, you'll be able to uncover and grow your spiritual gifts. This journey will not only allow you to make valuable contributions to your church and community but also honor God with your actions and life. It’s all about using what He’s given you to shine His light in the world.
If there is a time when you don’t know what your spiritual gift is or how to use the gift you’ve been given, go to God. Pray and ask for His guidance in sharing the gift.
Perhaps there may be a crisis where you need to use your gift. Pray and ask God how to best share your spiritual gift so He will be glorified, and you will be able to help someone in need.
God is ready to help us whenever we reach out to Him.
Pray about your own spiritual gift. Ask God to help you recognize the special gift He has given you. Ask God to help you use your spiritual gifts to lead others to Him.
Why Are Spiritual Gifts Important?
Every gift from God is special and important. We are created by God, and He loves us. By acknowledging the spiritual gifts from God, we are glorifying Him. Each gift has the ability to help draw others to a relationship with the Lord. God’s people are like a body with many parts, yet those parts work together. Even though there are many people in the world, we can work together to share His love and glory. One body part is not better than another. Every person has a purpose and is gifted by the Holy Spirit.
Just as the Apostle Paul explained in his letters to the Corinthians, each of us is uniquely equipped with gifts meant to serve and uplift the church. Whether you have the gift of teaching, prophecy, healing, encouragement, or hospitality, each plays a crucial role in the community of believers. Embracing and exercising these gifts not only strengthens our collective faith but also spreads the essence of Christ's love through tangible acts. When we utilize our spiritual gifts, we are actively participating in the divine tapestry woven by God, showcasing the vibrant diversity and unity of His kingdom.
What Does the Bible Say about Spiritual Gifts?
In addition to the list Paul provides in 1 Corinthians, 12, Scripture shares that God has given gifts to each of us. We are called to use those gifts to share His love and the message of God. By using the gifts given to us, we are helping others with their relationship with God and we, too, are drawing closer to Him. Here are other passages that address spiritual gifting:
Romans 12:6-8 - In this passage, Paul lists different gifts and associates them with specific actions: prophesying in proportion to one's faith; serving; teaching; encouraging; giving generously; leading diligently; showing mercy cheerfully.
Ephesians 4:11-13 - This text explains that Christ gave gifts to people, appointing some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
1 Peter 4:10-11 - Peter talks about using whatever gift one has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. He mentions speaking and serving as broad categories of gifts.
1 Corinthians 14:1-40 - While primarily focusing on the gifts of prophecy and speaking in tongues, this chapter provides guidance on how these gifts should be used within the church to ensure order and edification.
It is important to remember that these gifts from God are not earned, they are given by Him (1 Corinthians 12:18 NIV).
Common Misconceptions about Spiritual Gifts
One prevalent misconception about spiritual gifts is the idea that they are only possessed by certain "special" individuals within a faith community. Many believe that these gifts are exclusive to leaders such as pastors or those perceived as more spiritually mature. However, biblical texts suggest that spiritual gifts are distributed among all believers, given by the Holy Spirit to serve the church and glorify God. Each believer is granted gifts not as a sign of superiority or exclusivity but as a means for contributing to the well-being and growth of the church community. It is crucial to understand that these gifts are meant to foster unity, service, and mutual edification, not to create hierarchies or divisions among church members.
Another common misunderstanding is the belief that spiritual gifts are permanent and unchanging once they are received. This perspective can lead individuals to feel complacent or locked into specific roles that may not fully utilize their evolving capabilities or spiritual growth. In reality, the nature of spiritual gifts can be dynamic, and their expression may change over time as one grows in faith and encounters different needs within the community. The purpose of these gifts is to adapt and serve the church in various capacities as required. Recognizing the fluid nature of spiritual gifts allows individuals to remain open to new ways God might use them, encouraging continuous growth and flexibility in their spiritual journey.
Scripture shares that we are not to boast about our gifts. Our actions will not earn spiritual gifts from God. They are not rewards. They are gifts from the Father. Therefore, we do not boast about actions taken to share our spiritual gifts. We are called to share the love of Christ, not place ourselves on a pedestal. The glory goes to God, not us.
In closing, let us remember that our calling is to reflect the love and grace of Christ through our actions. When we use our spiritual gifts, it should be with humility and a heart aimed at service, ensuring that all glory and honor are directed towards God. This humble approach not only aligns with the teachings of the Bible but also strengthens our witness to the world. As we continue to explore and employ the spiritual gifts entrusted to us, let's commit to using them as instruments of love and beacons of hope, all while exalting God above all.
Blessings, Melissa Henderson
Related Articles:
How to Identify and Effectively Use Your Spiritual Gifts
Understanding the Types of Spiritual Gifts and Discovering Yours
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/AnnaStills
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
