Spiritual Gifts
Empowered by the Spirit, for the good of the Church and the glory of Christ.
Original Word: χάρισμα (charisma)
Reference: Romans 12:6
Meaning: A gift of grace, a divine enablement.
Paul uses this term to describe the different kinds of gifts given to believers — each a unique expression of God’s grace in action.
Spiritual gifts are not talents or natural abilities — they are supernatural gifts of grace, given by the Holy Spirit to every believer.
They are not for personal status, but for building up the Church and advancing the mission of Christ.
From the earliest days in Acts, the Spirit filled believers with power, boldness, wisdom, and miraculous gifts — all to make Jesus known.
Paul taught that though the gifts are diverse, they come from the same Spirit, and are given so the whole body of Christ can grow in unity, love, and maturity.
The Spirit Gives to Every Believer
Spiritual gifts are not just for leaders or apostles. “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Every believer receives at least one spiritual gift, and none are useless. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10).
Unity in Diversity
The gifts are many, but the Spirit is one. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Corinthians 12:4).
Like parts of a body, each gift has a role. No one should boast, compare, or envy. “The body does not consist of one member but of many” (1 Corinthians 12:14).
Examples of Spiritual Gifts
The Bible lists many gifts, including: - Prophecy - Teaching - Wisdom - Healing - Miracles - Speaking in tongues - Interpretation of tongues - Serving - Encouraging - Leadership - Mercy - Evangelism - Apostleship (See: Romans 12:6–8, 1 Corinthians 12:8–11, Ephesians 4:11)
These are not exhaustive lists — the Spirit can empower in many ways — but all gifts must align with Scripture and glorify Christ.
Love Is Greater Than All Gifts
Gifts are powerful, but they are nothing without love. Paul writes, “If I speak in tongues... but have not love, I am a noisy gong” (1 Corinthians 13:1).
Love is the more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31). It is the mark of spiritual maturity, not the gifts themselves.
Order, Discernment, and Maturity
The Holy Spirit does not bring chaos. Paul urged the church to use the gifts “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40), with clarity, edification, and discernment.
We are to “test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:21), especially prophetic words. The goal is not hype, but holiness and health in the body.
Gifts Are for Mission and Maturity
Spiritual gifts are not just for inside the church — they equip us to live on mission. “You will receive power… and you will be My witnesses” (Acts 1:8).
The gifts are also given “to equip the saints… until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:12–13).
Scripture References
- Romans 12:6–8
- 1 Corinthians 12:4–31
- 1 Corinthians 13:1–13
- 1 Corinthians 14:1–40
- 1 Peter 4:10–11
- Acts 1:8
- Ephesians 4:11–13
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21
Spiritual gifts are given by God’s grace, through the Holy Spirit, for the good of the Church and the glory of Christ. They are not marks of spiritual superiority, but tools of service and love. As we walk in step with the Spirit, we use our gifts to build up others, proclaim the gospel, and reflect the beauty of Jesus to the world.
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