SpiriseBible
"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord." - 1 Corinthians 12:4-5 (KJV)
Every believer receives spiritual gifts—divine enablements for serving God and building up His church. Yet many Christians live unaware of their gifts, like having unopened presents. Others misunderstand spiritual gifts, creating confusion or division. God intends these gifts to equip us for powerful ministry and unite us in purpose. Discovering and developing your spiritual gifts transforms both your effectiveness and joy in serving.
Understanding Spiritual Gifts
Biblical truths about spiritual gifts clarify their purpose:
Every believer has gifts: "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ" (Ephesians 4:7). No exceptions—if you're saved, you're gifted.
Gifts come from the Spirit: "But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will" (1 Corinthians 12:11). We don't choose our gifts; God distributes them.
Gifts are for serving others: "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10). Gifts aren't for personal glory but community blessing.
Gifts differ by design: "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office" (Romans 12:4). Diversity creates completeness.
Biblical Lists of Spiritual Gifts
Scripture provides several gift lists, though not exhaustive:
Romans 12:6-8:
- Prophecy - Speaking God's truth
- Serving - Meeting practical needs
- Teaching - Explaining and applying Scripture
- Exhortation - Encouraging and counseling
- Giving - Generous resource sharing
- Leadership - Guiding and organizing
- Mercy - Compassionate care for suffering
1 Corinthians 12:8-10:
- Word of wisdom - Divine insight for situations
- Word of knowledge - Supernatural understanding
- Faith - Extraordinary trust in God
- Gifts of healing - God's power to heal
- Working of miracles - Supernatural interventions
- Prophecy - Speaking God's messages
- Discerning of spirits - Recognizing spiritual sources
- Various tongues - Speaking unknown languages
- Interpretation of tongues - Understanding unknown languages
Ephesians 4:11:
- Apostles - Sent ones who establish churches
- Prophets - Proclaimers of God's word
- Evangelists - Gifted in leading people to Christ
- Pastors - Shepherds of God's flock
- Teachers - Instructors in God's truth
How to Discover Your Gifts
Finding your spiritual gifts requires intentional exploration:
1. Start with prayer: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God" (James 1:5). Ask God to reveal your gifts.
2. Study Scripture: Understanding biblical teaching about gifts provides foundation. Use tools like SpiriseBible to study gift passages deeply.
3. Examine your passions: What ministry activities energize you? God often aligns gifts with desires.
4. Consider your experiences: Where has God used you effectively? Past fruit indicates gifts.
5. Seek feedback: "In the multitude of counsellors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14). Others often see our gifts clearly.
6. Try different ministries: You discover gifts by using them. Experiment with various service opportunities.
7. Notice the results: Gifts produce fruit. Where do you see spiritual impact?
8. Take assessments: Spiritual gift tests can provide insights, though they're tools, not final answers.
Common Misconceptions
Clearing up confusion about spiritual gifts:
- "Some gifts are better than others": "The eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee" (1 Corinthians 12:21). All gifts are essential.
- "Spiritual gifts equal spiritual maturity": The Corinthians had all gifts but lacked maturity (1 Corinthians 1:7, 3:1).
- "I can't serve without knowing my gift": Start serving; gifts emerge through obedience.
- "My natural talents are my spiritual gifts": While God uses talents, spiritual gifts are supernatural enablements.
- "Once I know my gift, I only do that": We're called to faithfulness in many areas while excelling in our gifts.
Developing Your Gifts
Discovering gifts is just the beginning:
Study your gift: Learn from Scripture and those who share your gift. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God" (2 Timothy 2:15).
Practice regularly: "Neglect not the gift that is in thee" (1 Timothy 4:14). Gifts grow through use.
Seek mentoring: Learn from mature believers who excel in your gift area.
Accept feedback: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend" (Proverbs 27:6). Welcome constructive input.
Stay humble: "For I say... to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think" (Romans 12:3).
Keep growing: "But covet earnestly the best gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31). Desire greater effectiveness.
Using Gifts in Love
Paul's crucial teaching: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass" (1 Corinthians 13:1). Gifts without love accomplish nothing.
Love ensures gifts:
- Build up rather than puff up
- Unite rather than divide
- Serve others rather than showcase self
- Glorify God rather than gain attention
- Meet real needs rather than create activity
The Purpose of Gifts
God gives spiritual gifts for specific purposes:
Equipping the saints: "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:12). Gifts prepare all believers for service.
Building the church: "For the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12). Gifts strengthen the whole community.
Manifesting the Spirit: "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal" (1 Corinthians 12:7). Gifts reveal God's presence.
Serving effectively: We accomplish more through Spirit-empowered gifts than human effort alone.
Glorifying God: "That God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 4:11).
Your Gift Mix
Most believers have multiple gifts working together:
- A primary gift that dominates
- Secondary gifts that support
- Situational gifts God gives for specific needs
- Developing gifts that emerge over time
Your unique combination creates your ministry fingerprint—how God uniquely uses you.
Reflection Questions
- What spiritual gifts do you believe God has given you? What evidence supports this?
- How are you currently using your gifts to serve others and build up the church?
- What steps will you take to better discover, develop, and deploy your spiritual gifts?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for not leaving me empty-handed but equipping me with spiritual gifts for Your service. Forgive me for neglecting or misusing the gifts You've given. Open my eyes to see how You've uniquely gifted me. Give me courage to step out and use these gifts, wisdom to develop them properly, and love to employ them for others' benefit. Help me neither to bury my gifts in false humility nor showcase them in pride. May my gifts always point others to You and build up Your church. Show me where You want me to serve today. In Jesus' name, who perfectly used every gift for Your glory, Amen.
Today's Challenge
Take three practical steps toward discovering your spiritual gifts: 1) List three areas of ministry where you've experienced joy and fruitfulness—these may indicate your gifts. 2) Ask two mature Christians who know you well what spiritual gifts they see in you. 3) Choose one new ministry opportunity this month that interests you and commit to trying it. Remember, spiritual gifts are discovered in the laboratory of service, not the library of study alone. Step out and see how God uses you!
