SPIRITUAL GIFTS

God has chosen to give believers 'gifts of the Spirit' in order to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The following list is found in three passages; Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and 1 Corinthians 12:28 ... 

Prophecy - To declare the Lord's divine will and make known His truth. This gift is designed to greatly influence the hearer. Evangelists and preachers fall into this group.

Serving - A God-given desire to provide practical help to those in need. 

Teaching - The ability to analyze the Word of God and explain its meaning, context, and application. 

Encouraging - Also called 'exhortation', it represents those who call upon believers to heed and follow God’s truth. It seeks to uplift those who are weak in faith and comfort those going through trials. 

Giving - Those who joyfully share what they have with others, whether it be financial, material, or the giving of personal time and attention. 

Leadership - It literally means 'guide' and carries with it the idea of one who steers a ship ... God-given authority distinguished by wisdom and grace; leading by example. 

Mercy - A heartfelt compassion toward those in distress, displaying sympathy and sensitivity coupled with a strong desire to lessen their suffering in a kind manner. 

Word of wisdom - This gift describes someone who can understand and speak biblical doctrine in such a way as to skillfully apply it to life situations.

Word of knowledge - Another speaking gift that involves a deeper understanding of truth; insight that only comes by revelation from God. 

Faith - Exhibited by those who have a strong and unshakeable confidence in God, His Word, His promises, and the power of prayer. 

Healing - Though some contend that there are individuals who have this gift today, I believe it was limited to the ministry of the apostles and other devout followers of Christ in the early days of the church.

Miraculous powers - Also a temporary sign gift that involved performing supernatural acts that could only be attributed to the power of God. 

Distinguishing between spirits - The unique ability to separate the truth of God from the lies of Satan (whose methods include deceptive and erroneous doctrine). 

Speaking in tongues - Another temporary sign gift given to the early church to enable the gospel to be preached to all nations, in all known languages. 

Interpretation of tongues - Understanding and proclaiming what someone is saying even though the language being spoken is unknown. 

Helps - To move toward those in need with a kind word and an understanding demeanor; to speak scriptural truth that is both convicting and loving.

Christians may be tempted to only serve God in the specific area they feel gifted ... but that is not how it works. The Lord calls us to be obedient in every situation and will equip us with whatever gift or gifts we need at that moment ... in order to accomplish His purpose. 

And remember this; exercising any 'Gift of the Spirit' without displaying the 'Fruit of the Spirit' (love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) will limit its effect.

These gifts are to bring glory to God alone and not to oneself.