What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are special abilities or capacities given by the Holy Spirit to individual Christians for the purpose of serving God and others within the Christian community. These gifts are not natural talents or learned skills, but supernatural endowments provided by God's grace. Their primary purpose is to build up (edify) the body of Christ-the church-and to fulfill God's mission in the world
Purpose and Origin
- Spiritual gifts originate from the Holy Spirit and are given to believers as a result of their faith in Jesus Christ
- They are meant to be used for ministry, service, and the advancement of God's kingdom, benefiting both the church and the broader community
- The gifts are distributed according to God's will, and every believer receives at least one
Types of Spiritual Gifts
The New Testament lists a variety of spiritual gifts, particularly in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4. Commonly recognized gifts include
:
- Administration: Organizing people and resources for effective ministry.
- Apostleship: Reaching out to new groups and starting new ministries.
- Compassion (Mercy): Showing empathy and kindness to those in need.
- Discernment: Deep intuition and insight, distinguishing truth from error.
- Evangelism: Sharing faith and proclaiming the gospel.
- Exhortation (Encouragement): Motivating and supporting others toward spiritual growth.
- Faith: Exceptional confidence in God’s promises and power.
- Giving: Generously providing resources to support God’s work.
- Healing: Channeling God’s grace for physical, emotional, or spiritual healing.
- Helping (Service): Supporting others and meeting practical needs.
- Leadership: Guiding and directing others in ministry.
- Prophecy: Speaking forth God’s messages for edification, exhortation, or comfort.
- Shepherding (Pastoring): Providing spiritual guidance and care.
- Teaching: Explaining and applying God’s truth effectively.
- Wisdom: Applying deep understanding to life situations.
- Knowledge: Special insight into God’s Word and will.
- Miracles: Performing extraordinary signs and wonders.
- Speaking in Tongues: Communicating in unlearned languages as a form of prayer or worship.
- Interpretation of Tongues: Translating messages spoken in tongues for others to understand
Biblical References
Key passages describing spiritual gifts include:
- Romans 12:6–8
- 1 Corinthians 12:8–10, 28–30
- Ephesians 4:11
Summary Table of Spiritual Gifts
Gift| Description
---|---
Administration| Organizing for effective ministry
Apostleship| Starting new ministries and reaching new groups
Compassion/Mercy| Showing empathy and kindness
Discernment| Distinguishing truth from error
Evangelism| Sharing the gospel
Exhortation| Encouraging and motivating others
Faith| Exceptional trust in God
Giving| Generous resource sharing
Healing| Channeling God’s healing power
Helping/Service| Practical support and assistance
Leadership| Guiding and directing others
Prophecy| Speaking God’s messages
Shepherding/Pastoring| Spiritual guidance and care
Teaching| Explaining and applying God’s truth
Wisdom| Applying insight to situations
Knowledge| Deep understanding of God’s Word
Miracles| Performing extraordinary signs
Tongues| Speaking in unlearned languages
Interpretation| Translating messages in tongues
Spiritual gifts are intended for the collective good, empowering believers to serve one another and advance the mission of the church
