Spiritual gifts are God-given abilities distributed by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of edifying the church and glorifying God. These gifts are not natural talents but spiritual empowerments that enable believers to serve one another in love and truth. Each believer is given at least one spiritual gift.
Paul explains the source and variety of these gifts:
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” (1 Corinthians 12:4–6)
The purpose of spiritual gifts is clearly stated:
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Some of the gifts listed in the New Testament include:
- Wisdom
- Knowledge
- Faith
- Healing
- Miracles
- Prophecy
- Discerning of spirits
- Tongues
- Interpretation of tongues
- Teaching
- Exhortation
- Giving
- Leadership
- Mercy
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith.” (Romans 12:6)
These gifts are not given for self-promotion or spiritual superiority but for humble service within the body of Christ. Paul emphasizes that love must govern the use of all gifts:
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)
The body of Christ functions properly only when each member uses their gift for the common good:
“From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies… causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:16)
Spiritual gifts are not to be neglected or envied. Believers are called to discover, develop, and deploy their gifts in faithful obedience to God:
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)
“Do not neglect the gift that is in you…” (1 Timothy 4:14)
These gifts continue to serve the church today, equipping the saints and advancing the mission of Christ. Their proper use builds up the church in maturity, unity, and truth.
“To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” (Ephesians 4:7)
