Presence & PowerSample

GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT

What are the Gifts of the Spirit?

The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit empowers us through spiritual gifts, also called graces. These gifts are different to natural talents. They empower us to outwork the power and presence of God in our life. These gifts are not for ourselves, they teach us to serve like Jesus and be a gift to the body of Christ. As a result God is glorified, the Church becomes effective and mature and we gain self-esteem and fulfilment.

The main emphasis when we read about spiritual gifts is that we are one body with different parts. These gifts unite us, work together, and recognize what we bring to the body. It is the Spirit who decides which gifts are to be given. We are to celebrate each other and be a witness in His love. Someone with a leadership gift needs to listen to the pastoring gift. The pastor, appreciates the work of the leader trying to lead many. The one who prophesies needs to learn to bring this in love. The one who serves needs to celebrate their gift as much as that of wisdom or healing.

Jon Thompson in his book “Convergence” separates the gifts into three helpful categories. ‘Love’ gifts which manifest God’s love in practical ways (administration, serving, mercy, giving), ‘Word’ gifts which clarify the nature and purposes of God (teaching, encouragement, leadership, pastoring), and ‘Power’ gifts which demonstrate the power and reality of God (prophecy, miracles, tongues, healing, wisdom, discernment, faith). The gifts are given but we need to grow them - we need to stir up the gift (2 Timothy 1:6), guard the gifts as they are valuable (2 Timothy 1:14), to steward them well (Matthew 25). We are to mature in the gifts we have (1 Corinthians 14:1) and bear fruit with the gifts (John 15:1-8). The Bible even tells us that we can desire these gifts, if you really want the gift of prophecy, just ask. These gifts are exciting, they are like fast passes. We can all teach with enough practice, but the ‘gift of teaching’ means you are more natural at this. Remember they are ‘freely given gifts’, they are part of us but do not define us, and they will be stewarded through our character. The fruit of our character can either validate or destroy the gifting we have received. We are made to seek the Giver and not the gifts.

Thank God that He wants to empower you through the gifts of the Spirit. Think of the areas that maybe someone has spoken over you, or where you find joy or an ease in, is this a gift? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any gifts he wants to give you. Prayerfully consider how you can use the gifts you’ve been given in your family, at work, and in the Church.