How To Discover Spiritual Gifts

Learning about our spiritual gift(s) is a fascinating subject because it allows us to learn something new about ourselves.

A spiritual gift is something God has chosen for you personally so that you can serve and use your distinctive aptitude to assist the church on earth advance.

God has chosen people to carry out his mission. For reasons only he knows and understands, he chose this course of action. From a human standpoint, we may question if this was the wisest move. After all, the sky is the limit when it comes to what God could have accomplished. He had the option of speaking to lost people through angels. He surely utilized them on a number of major instances in the Bible. Alternatively, God could have produced a particular breed of messengers who would never let him down—a breed of messengers who would never fail him “He needed a “sin-proof” instrument to faithfully broadcast his Word. God, for that matter, could have just stuck his head through the sky and shouted, “Hello, universe! You're not God, and I'm God!” God, on the other hand, has chosen men and women to carry out his mission among humanity.

We must make advantage of everything that Jesus Christ has made available to us as we seek to follow and be utilized by him. The gifts of the Spirit are one of Jesus' greatest gifts to his church and to us as individuals. Why has he lavished these blessings on us? The Bible says this about the crucial role they play in believers' lives:

Spiritual Gifts Help Us to Grow in Christ's Knowledge. Some people get infatuated with spiritual abilities rather than Jesus as a result of being sidetracked by them. Instead of signs and marvels following believers, Christians began to follow signs and wonders. This is an indication of immaturity spiritually. A. B. Simpson, a Christian author and pastor, wrote these wise words:

Spiritual gifts aren't the goal; they're the means to get there. They aren't toys to be enjoyed; they are tools to be used in construction and weapons to be used in combat. When we use them for God's glory rather than our own, we will be more effective.

Spiritual Gifts Should Be Employed. It is possible to squander a gift. However, by doing so, you defy God and deprive the church of a blessing. As a result, we must make use of the gifts he has bestowed upon us. Indeed, it must be an affront to God for us to dismiss a gift that the Holy Spirit has bestowed upon us by claiming that it isn't vital enough to use.

In the Body of Christ, each Spiritual Gift has a unique role to play. Every gift that God has given to the church, the body of Christ, is significant. Some gifts, like preaching, teaching, and prophecy, may appear to be more vital than others, like hospitality and service. All of these gifts, however, have been given by God to build up his church. None of these gifts should be dismissed or taken for granted.

So, what spiritual gifts has God bestowed upon his people? Here's a rundown:

ADMINISTRATION: The capacity to use planning, organization, and supervisory skills to guide a church or ministry toward the successful achievement of God-given goals.

APOSTLE: A person who is sent to spread the gospel to new places. You may have heard of missionaries who go to different places to help spread the gospel; these individuals are known as apostles. An apostle can also serve as a leader for other churches or ministries, as well as provide spiritual guidance.

DISCERNMENT: The ability to distinguish truth from falsehood by determining if a behavior or teaching comes from God or from an unholy source.

EVANGELISM: The ability to effectively preach the gospel message, particularly to nonbelievers.

EXHORTATION: The ability to provide encouragement, comfort, and support in order to assist someone in becoming all that God intends them to be.

FAITH: People who have this gift have such faith in God's power and promises that they can maintain their faith no matter what is thrown at them. They can also defend and advance their beliefs by standing up for the church and their faith.

GIVING: Those who have this gift are especially willing and able to share whatever resources they have without expecting anything in return.

HEALING: God's ability to repair others' bodily, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

HELPS: This gift allows someone to support or assist members of the body of Christ so that they can focus on ministering to others.

HOSPITALITY: The ability to make anyone, even strangers, feel at ease in one's own house or church as a way of discipleship or service.

KNOWLEDGE: This is a gift given by someone who actively seeks to understand the Bible. This individual might also appreciate examining scriptural facts.

LEADERSHIP: This ability identifies a person who can stand in front of a congregation, direct the congregation with care and attention, and motivate them to achieve the church's objectives.

MERCY: This is the defining characteristic of someone who is sensitive to the plight of others. It shows up in the form of compassion and encouragement, as well as a desire to help someone who is in need.

PROPHECY: The ability to communicate God's message to others. This can occasionally include foresight or visions of the future. This ability should only be used to encourage or warn others.

SERVING:A gift for identifying tasks that the body of Christ requires and utilizing existing resources to complete them.

SPEAKING IN TONGUES: The miraculous ability to communicate in a language other than one's own (one that has not been learned).

TEACHING: The ability to successfully teach from the Bible and transmit it to others for their spiritual growth and knowledge.

WISDOM: The ability to sort through facts and data in order to figure out what has to be done for the church.

It's worth noting that not every Christian believes God still bestows all of these spiritual abilities. Some believe that certain talents, such as speaking in tongues, were passed down just at a time in biblical history when they were needed and are no longer needed now.

• Did any of the above descriptions strike a chord with you as you read them? It's possible that's the gift or gifts you've received.
• You can ask your Christian friends to tell you about the gifts they see in you—they can frequently see what you can't and can tell you about the skills God has given you.
• You can pray about it; if we ask God to guide us toward whatever gifts He has given us, he will do so.
• Some churches provide classes to help you find your spiritual gifts. Check with a church leader to see whether this is something they provide.
• You can also take an online spiritual gifts exam, which you can locate by searching online. But a word of caution: these tests aren't always accurate, so take the results with a grain of salt and keep praying for the answer.

While we're pursuing our spiritual gifts, it's easy to lose sight of Jesus. They can easily become idols to us, therefore don't let this distract you from the only person who matters.

Furthermore, once we identify the gift or gifts we possess, we may become pigeonholed within them. You don't have to be a pastor just because you have a gift for teaching! Each gift has various applications, and your mentors, friends, and church leaders may assist you in determining how to effectively apply those remarkable God-given abilities.

You may also discover that your gifts evolve over time. For example, you can discover that you gain the gift of faith as you grow in your religion. This just indicates that your faith in Jesus is growing stronger, and you're getting more secure in sharing your beliefs. However, as we grow older, gain insight, have new experiences, and continue our walk with the Lord, our spiritual abilities will alter as well. Consider it as a software update from God!

Start using your gift(s) to praise God once you've determined which one(s) you have. You are furthering the Kingdom of God by volunteering in a ministry or around your church with your spiritual gifts. That is true regardless of how minor the task appears to be.

You'll be shocked at how fortunate your time will be if you find a location to serve (volunteering is frequently referred to as “serving”) that utilizes at least one of your abilities. You may have seen how simple it is for you; God has given you a heavenly gift that you are naturally gifted at, and it just comes effortlessly to you! You might be shocked by how much you appreciate exercising your new gift muscle as well.

Ask a leader at your church where volunteers are needed and explore what would be a good fit for your skill set. If you have the gift of mercy, for example, a hospital or jail ministry would be a good fit for you. Alternatively, if you have a natural sense of hospitality, greeting new people or setting up for events can be the greatest fit. You might be an excellent complement to a prayer ministry if you have the gift of exhortation.

Remember that your gifts can be used in a variety of ways, so don't feel obligated to do something just because it appears to be appropriate for your gifts on the surface. If an assignment isn't bringing you delight, look for anything else to accomplish. Joy is a good indicator of what your gift is; if an activity makes you happy, you've discovered your expertise and fit.

Now go find out what gifts God has given you and put them to good use in the Kingdom!

The New Believer's Bible is specifically created to aid new Christians in reading, studying, and comprehending the Bible. It has characteristics that aid Christians in growing and deepening their faith while also laying the groundwork for their new life in Christ.

Where to Put Your Spiritual Gifts to Work: Practical Advice on Finding Your Ministry Niche

What are the 7 spiritual gifts in the Bible?

Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. While some Christians regard them as a comprehensive list of precise characteristics, others see them as illustrations of the Holy Spirit's work through the faithful.

How can I develop my spiritual senses?

Activate your spiritual senses. You, too, can utilize your spiritual sight to connect to the heavenly plan, just as prophets and visionaries around the world have been able to perceive the divine workings in visions. Using visualizations during meditation and prayer to enhance and expand your ability to store images in your mind is crucial to developing spiritual sight. When you communicate to Christ or angels in prayer, practice envisioning them and imagine what paradise looks like. Soon, you'll have dreams and have moments of awake inspiration.

God's voice can be heard. God is constantly communicating to us, but we are not listening, and part of the reason for this is that our spiritual sense of hearing has not grown. Learning to calm the noise in your mind is essential for hearing spiritual messages. Try to keep extraneous thoughts to a minimal during meditation or prayer, and instead focus on God's love and beauty. When something comes up that bothers you, pray for a remedy from God. If you have a clear mind, you will hear His voice clearly speaking to you, as it always does.

God's Word is to be tasted. The living God's Word is believed to fill the hearts of hungry mankind. While in meditation or prayer, practice improving your ability to truly taste these words. Observe how your mind and body are hungry for a variety of things in the world. Now consider how focusing on God's love is more satisfying and eliminates the need for many of these things. Feel the sweetness of His words and how they fill the soul. Keep a few treasured Bible passages with you at all times so that the words of God are always available to quench your spiritual thirst.

The Lord's presence is palpable. As we go about our everyday jobs and chores, many of us feel alone. Concentrate on the notion that God is around you at all times to enhance your spiritual feeling ability, and focus on this during prayer or meditation. Soon, you'll be able to sense his soothing presence all around you.

Take a whiff of the garden that awaits you. Smell has the ability to elicit strong emotions, memories, and mental states. Practice smelling the flowers that bloom in the earthly paradise that awaits humanity while in prayer or meditation. Take note of how clear of pollution and man-made dirt the air is. Allow the scents to transfer you to a different frame of mind that will stay all day.

What is the greatest spiritual gift?

Wisdom is regarded as the earliest and most important of the gifts. It affects the intellect as well as the will. It both illumines the mind and instills an inclination to the divine, according to St. Bernard. “The latter is a view taken by the mind, while the former is an experience undergone by the heart; one is light, the other love, and so they connect and complete one another,” Adolphe Tanquerey OP defined the distinction between wisdom and understanding. The theological virtue of charity is perfected by a wise and compassionate heart.

What are the 12 gifts of the Spirit?

“Charity, joy, peace, patience, compassion, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity,” according to Church tradition.

What are the 12 gifts of God?

Charity (or love), joy, peace, patience, benignity (or kindness), goodness, longanimity (or patience), mildness (or gentleness), faith, modesty, continency (or self-control), and chastity are the twelve fruits. (The three fruits of longanimity, modesty, and chastity are only present in the longer form of the passage.)

Charity is the unselfish love of God and neighbor, without expecting anything in return. Charity, on the other hand, is not a “warm and fuzzy” sensation; it is manifested in actual action toward God and our fellow man.

Joy isn't emotional in the traditional sense; rather, it is the state of being unaffected by the negative aspects of life.

Peace is a calmness in our hearts that comes from trusting in God. Christians, rather than being anxious about the future, trust God to provide for them, thanks to the Holy Spirit's leading.

Patience is the ability to bear other people's flaws while also being aware of our own flaws and need for God's love and forgiveness.

Kindness is the willingness to offer to others beyond our own possessions.

Goodness is avoiding evil and embracing what is right, even if it means sacrificing one's material fame and money.

Longanimity is the ability to remain calm in the face of adversity. While patience is appropriate when directed at others' flaws, long-suffering is defined as quietly enduring others' attacks.

Mild behavior means being kind rather than vindictive, forgiving rather than angry. The gentle person is meek; like Christ, who stated, “I am gentle and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29), he does not demand his own way but yields to others for the sake of God's Kingdom.

Faith, as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, entails always living in line with God's will.

Being humble is humbling oneself and admitting that any of your accomplishments, talents, or accomplishments are gifts from God.

Self-control or temperance are terms used to describe continence. It does not imply denying oneself what one requires or even what one desires (as long as what one desires is good); rather, it entails exercising moderation in all areas.

Chastity is the act of submitting one's physical desires to reason and hence to one's spiritual character. Chastity entails just enjoying our bodily impulses in proper situations, such as during marriage.

What are the 3 categories of spiritual gifts?

The New Testament has a number of listings of spiritual gifts, the majority of which are found in the Pauline epistles. Although each list is distinct, there is some overlap.

The charismata were prophesied in the Book of Joel (2:28) and promised by Christ (Mark 16:17–18), according to Christians. This promise was realized on Pentecost Day and as the church spread around the world. Paul devoted much of his First Epistle to the Corinthians (chapters 12–14) to spiritual gifts in order to rectify misuse surrounding spiritual talents in Corinth.

Two Greek phrases are translated as “spiritual gifts” in 1 Corinthians 12. The word pneumatika (“spirituals” or “things of the Spirit”) appears in verse 1. The word charisma is used in verse 4. The word comes from the Greek word charis, which meaning “grace.” The terms diakonia (translated “administrations,” “ministries,” or “service”) and energemata (“operations” or “inworkings”) are used in verses 5 and 6 to describe the nature of spiritual gifts. The term “manifestation (phanerosis) of the Spirit” is used in verse 7.

Christians interpret spiritual gifts as enablements or capacities conferred by God on individuals, based on these scriptural texts. These cannot be earned or merited because they are freely supplied by God. These are activities or manifestations of the Holy Spirit, not of the gifted person, even though they are carried out via persons. They are to be used for the benefit of others, and they are given to the church as a whole rather than to individual members. The gifts are distributed in a variety of ways; no single person will have all of them. The church is edified (built up), exhorted (encouraged), and comforted through spiritual gifts.

Many think that there are as many gifts as there are needs in the church of Christ, despite the fact that Paul did not mention all of the Spirit's gifts. The gifts have been categorized in the past based on their similarities and differences with other gifts. Some categorize them into three groups based on Old Testament offices. Any gift that involves teaching, encouraging, or rebuking others is considered “prophetic.” Mercy and concern for the poor are examples of “priestly” gifts, as is intercession before God. Gifts involving church management or government are referred to as “kingly.” Others classify them as “gifts of knowledge” (words of wisdom, word of knowledge, differentiating between spirits), “gifts of speech” (tongues, interpretation, prophecy), and “gifts of power” (tongues, interpretation, prophecy) (faith, healing, miracles). The gifts have also been divided into those that promote the church's inner growth (apostle, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, teaching, word of wisdom/knowledge, helps, and administration) and those that promote the church's outer development (apostle, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, teaching, word of wisdom/knowledge, helps, and administration) (faith, miracles, healing, tongues, interpretation of tongues).