A spiritual gift is an expression of the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of a believer, empowering the Christian to serve in particular ways in the body of Christ, the Church. Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30; Ephesians 4:11; and 1 Peter 4:9-11 contain representative lists of gifts and roles God has given to the Church.
Steps to Discovery of Spiritual Gifts
Ask God to show you the gift(s) He has given you, with confident expectation (Phil 4:6-7; Jas 1:5). Increase you awareness of gifts by studying Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-14, 1 Peter 4 and Ephesians 4. There are many good books (not all are scriptural) on spiritual gifts and there are Christians who know and use their spiritual gifts – learn their stories.
God is committed to your joy and you might consider the same aspiration for yourself. As you delight in the Lord, He will answer your prayers (Ps 37:4; Phil 2:13; 1 Tim 3:1), as you pray and learn about the various gifts. We typically discover our natural talents and spiritual gifts by actively trying numerous things, by experimenting, being available and willing to serve and to learn. Activity and practice eventually point to ability and as mature Christians work with you, ask for their observations. Affirmation and blessing come in the exercise of our spiritual gift or gift-combinations.
A Prayer:
Lord . . . as I join with others in the work of Your Kingdom, may I discover the diverse ways You have chosen to gift each one of us. Help me to discover and to be active in the expression of the gift or mix of gifts You have given to me.
May I grow in my love for You, the Giver of every good gift. May I grow in my love for others and may there be mutual appreciation amongst Your children. You are our Creator and Redeemer. You lovingly made each one of us; you lovingly designed and destined me for Your purposes. I know my chief purpose is to glorify and enjoy You.
Teach me to honour the endless variety of Your designs and to cherish the beauty markings of every person in this world. Help me to be truly grateful for my place in Your work in the world and, with humility and awe, to experience Your wonder working power in operation through me and others. Fill me afresh with Your Spirit. Come Holy Spirit live fully in me, through my yieldness to You.
All this I pray in the holy Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (1 Cor. 12:4-5)
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Pet. 4:10)
Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. (Romans 12:4-6a)
Gifts may be used in very different ways. This inventory tool is intended to help you recognize, embrace and use the gift(s) of God that you have been blessed with. You are encouraged to read and pray over the scripture references as you seek to discern your gift(s).
- Express your availability to have God lead you according to His Word
- Explore possibilities
- Experiment
- Examine your heart
- Evaluate your effectiveness
- Expect confirmation from fellow Christians and congregational leaders.
Spiritual Gifts List
Click on the gift title to read the description and some Bible verses connected with that gift.
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