Spiritual gifts are special abilities that God gives to his children for the edification of his church. We must use them to bless one another and thus build together a strong church that honors God.
All Christians have at least one gift and the Holy Spirit distributes the gifts as he wants: “All this is done by one and the same Spirit, who distributes to each one as he determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11). However, the Bible also tells us that we can long for other gifts and encourages us to ask for them (1 Corinthians 12:31).
Gifts mentioned in the Bible
In the Bible we find three main lists of gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28; Romans 12:6-8 and Ephesians 4:7-13. Below are the gifts mentioned in those passages along with a brief definition.
Wisdom
It goes beyond human wisdom. It is having the ability to know how to say or do what is right within the will of God in a specific situation.
Knowledge
Knowing or receiving the revelation of something about a person or situation without having received the information by natural means.
Faith
Total trust in the promises of God that does not yield in the face of adverse circumstances. It is greater than the normal faith that all Christians have.
gifts of healing
Pray for people who are physically or emotionally ill and have the ability to bring God’s healing power into their lives.
miraculous powers
Do signs and wonders beyond natural laws to show the presence and power of God in a particular situation.
Prophecy
Communicate a word from God, a verse or passage that applies to a specific situation, in order to exhort or encourage.
discern spirits
Ability to perceive what kind of spirit acts in a certain situation and determine if it comes from God or not.
speak in different languages
Ability to speak a language without having studied it to communicate the message of the gospel. There is also the gift of angelic tongues, words that only God understands. They are for personal edification and to have special fellowship with him.
interpret tongues
Being able to understand and communicate a message that has been given in tongues in the language that those present can understand.
Teaching
Special ability to transmit the truths of the gospel clearly and instruct other Christians in the word of God.
evangelism
Share the message of salvation in an attractive and relevant way to those who have not yet received God’s forgiveness.
Help others, serve
Special sensitivity to the needs of others and a great desire to do everything possible to ease their burden.
Management
Knows how to organize things or activities, enjoys planning, directing and organizing.
Cheer up
Give the word of encouragement or motivation at the right time. Has a positive disposition based on the promises of God’s word.
Give generously (relieve those in need)
He enjoys sharing his resources (time, talent, and money) with others, especially those who are suffering and those who are taking the gospel message to other places.
leadership, direction
Special disposition to guide others and help them grow in their walk with Jesus. He feels satisfaction in spiritually nurturing and nurturing those whom God places under his care.
show compassion
Special love, genuine mercy for those in need and the ability to identify with them.
Learn a little more about 4 little-known gifts of the Spirit.
What are spiritual gifts for?
God gives his children to enable them to work together for the growth of the church. They must be used with unity of purpose, for the common good. The main desire must always be that Christ be glorified.
In order to train the people of God for the work of service, to build up the body of Christ.
(Ephesians 4:12)
The gifts No they are given to us as a prize for our spirituality. God gives them to us so that we can serve our brothers and so that we encourage one another in our walk with Jesus. By using them correctly we show that God is real in our lives and that it is he who directs us.
God enables us to accomplish his work in this world through gifts. The church is more effective and works better when all its members exercise theirs. Otherwise it would happen like when we have a toothache or we can’t use our hand for some reason. Our body does not work the same nor are we as efficient. Likewise, the church suffers and limps when its members fail to use, or misuse, the gifts that God has given them..
How should we use the gifts?
It is interesting to see that the three main chapters in which the gifts are discussed have as a common denominator the theme of love and the unity of believers. From this it is clear that the gifts must be used with love, with the desire to contribute for the good and the edification of the church. Otherwise they will not fulfill the purpose for which God has granted them.
If I speak in human and angelic tongues, but do not have love, I am nothing more than a metal that resounds or a cymbal that makes noise. If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and have all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but lack love, I am nothing. If I distribute to the poor all that I have, and if I give my body to be consumed by the flames, but have no love, I gain nothing from it.
(1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
It is important to value the gifts that God has given us and the gifts that others have. All gifts are necessary for the proper functioning of the church and we should not underestimate any gift. Whatever gift God has bestowed on you, be thankful for it and use it faithfully. Serve God with joy and let him move in your life and in the lives of others through the use of your gifts.
Each one puts the gift they have received at the service of others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
(1 Peter 4:10)