Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for the building up of the Church and the glorifying of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 says, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit… But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” Every gift has purpose and value.
These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). Each gift is distributed as the Spirit wills (1 Corinthians 12:11).
Romans 12:6-8 expands the list to include serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading, and showing mercy. Ephesians 4:11-12 adds apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, offices given to equip the saints for ministry.
Spiritual gifts are not for self-glorification or personal gain. 1 Peter 4:10-11 instructs, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another… that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” The gifts serve the body and exalt the Lord.
Love is the essential context for all spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 warns that even the greatest gifts are meaningless without love. Love must guide every use of Spiritual gifts.
Believers are called to desire spiritual gifts, especially those that edify the Church (1 Corinthians 14:1). However, no gift is to be idolized. Christ is the head of the body, and all gifts must function under His authority.
Each believer has a gift, and each one is needed. The body of Christ functions best when every part is operating in love and obedience to the Spirit.
