Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

Don't you love the joy of receiving gifts, especially if they are from someone who cares deeply for you?

Gifts actually tell us more about the giver than the receiver. Our Heavenly Father is the greatest gift-giver of all. Besides giving us His Son as the ultimate gift, did you know that He also empowers us with spiritual gifts?

 

What Are Spiritual Gifts? 

Spiritual gifts are, as the name suggests, gifts from the Holy Spirit. God shows us through these gifts that He cares enough about us to empower us, and to remind us that we have a place in the church. It is through these gifts that we can contribute and build the church together.

Like the presents we receive for our birthdays or other special occasions, we do not know what spiritual gifts we are given until we receive them. Not every Christian will have a particular gift; and no Christian has all the gifts.

We must be clear that spiritual gifts are from God and not through our own efforts. As such, these gifts are to be used to build His kingdom and not for our own benefits. In addition, we need to consider how to use our spiritual gifts to serve others.

Paul states very clearly in his letter to the Corinthians about spiritual gifts:

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

(1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

Paul also encourages the church to “now eagerly desire the greater gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31). By using our spiritual gifts to strengthen our church and be a blessing to people we interact with, we can then become living testimonies to everyone around us.

 

What Are the Different Types of Spiritual Gifts?

Here are 18 examples of spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible:

1. Administration

The ability to organise tasks and direct groups of people to accomplish the goals.

2. Apostleship

People with this gift often start new ministries, plant new churches, or go to foreign places to preach the gospel.

3. Discernment

The wisdom to tell whether a behaviour or teaching originates from God.

4. Evangelism

The ability to share one's faith and communicate the message of salvation to non-believers.

5. Exhortation

People with this gift are like spiritual cheerleaders, offering support and encouragement to those who are wavering in their faith.

6. Faith

Not to be confused with the saving faith which every believer has, this gift enables us to stand strong in our belief and confidence in God.

7. Giving

People with this gift are willing to share the resources they have and give generously with pleasure and purpose.

8. Healing

The ability to call on God to restore people's physical, mental and spiritual health.

9. Helps

People with this gift enjoy supporting fellow believers to complete their tasks and meet ministry needs.

10. Hospitality

The ability to welcome people and make them feel at home, be it in church, at your own home or in the community.

11. Knowledge

People with this gift love to study, research and interpret the Bible.

12. Leadership

The ability to influence and lead God’s people and guide them to grow in their relationship with Christ.

13. Mercy

People with this gift are sensitive towards those who are suffering and offer compassion to those in need.

14. Prophecy

The ability to communicate God's message to the church by means of direct revelation.

15. Serving

Closely associated with the gifts of administration and helps, this gift is the willingness to do small tasks to serve the needs of the church or community.

16. Speaking in tongues

This gift enables the believer to speak in spiritual or foreign languages not learnt before.

17. Teaching

The ability to teach from the Bible and communicate effectively for the understanding and spiritual growth of the church.

18. Wisdom

People with this gift are able to understand and apply biblical truths to guide others in their spiritual growth.

 

Do ask God how you can be empowered through the gifts which He has given you. By playing your part, you help to expand His kingdom while growing in your faith and building up fellow believers.