Discovering your spiritual gifts is an important part of your walk with God. As believers, God has given each of us unique spiritual gifts to be used for His glory and to build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:7). Here is a biblical overview of spiritual gifts and how you can identify yours:
What are spiritual gifts?
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to Christians to serve others and strengthen the church (1 Peter 4:10). Unlike natural talents and abilities which all people possess, spiritual gifts are supernaturally empowered by the Holy Spirit. There are many spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible such as teaching, service, encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy, prophecy, discernment, faith, healing, miracles, tongues, interpretation of tongues, apostleship, helps, administration and more (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28-30, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Peter 4:9-11).
Why are spiritual gifts given?
Spiritual gifts have an important purpose in the body of Christ. They are given:
- For the common good – to build up others (1 Corinthians 12:7)
- To manifest the Holy Spirit’s power (1 Corinthians 12:7)
- For ministry and service (1 Peter 4:10)
- To equip believers for works of service (Ephesians 4:12)
- To build up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12)
Therefore, spiritual gifts are not given for self-edification but for mutual edification so that the church grows in maturity and resembles Christ more each day. Our gifts contribute to the overall health and mission of the church.
How many spiritual gifts can one have?
There is no limitation to the number of gifts the Holy Spirit can give to a believer. Some Christians may have one dominant spiritual gift they operate in most frequently, while others may have a combination of several gifts that complement each other. The Holy Spirit “gives them to each one, just as he determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11).
How do I know what my spiritual gift is?
There are practical steps you can take to discern your spiritual gifts:
- Pray – Ask God to reveal your spiritual gifts to you.
- Study spiritual gifts – Learn about the different gifts mentioned in the Bible so you understand what they are.
- Try serving – Volunteer in different ministry capacities that align with your passions and abilities.
- Pay attention to affirmation – Note when other believers affirm your gifting in a particular area of ministry.
- Consider your desires – God often gives us spiritual gifts that align with our deepest desires to serve Him.
- Assess results – Examine the fruit of your ministry efforts to determine where you are most effective.
- Take assessments – While not definitive, spiritual gift surveys and tests can provide insight into your gifting.
Discovering your spiritual gifts takes time, prayer, experience in ministry, and wise counsel from other Christians. It’s a journey of growth in understanding how God has uniquely shaped you to serve Him.
How are spiritual gifts discovered?
According to the Bible, there are several ways spiritual gifts can become evident:
- Through prophecy – God can reveal someone’s spiritual gift directly through a prophetic word (1 Timothy 4:14).
- When the Holy Spirit empowers – Spiritual gifts are demonstrated when believers yield to the Spirit’s leading (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
- Through ministry – Gifts become evident as believers actively serve in different capacities (Romans 12:6-8).
- By their fruit – The results of someone’s ministry demonstrate their gifting (Matthew 7:16-20).
- Through affirmation – Wise and discerning Christians can recognize and confirm the presence of certain gifts in a person’s life (1 Timothy 4:14).
Therefore, a combination of Spirit-led service, tangible fruit, and external confirmation helps believers discern their gifting.
What are the motivational spiritual gifts?
There are some spiritual gifts that reflect different motivations and passions behind why believers serve. These include:
- Serving – motivated by meeting practical needs of others
- Teaching – motivated by explaining truth and doctrine
- Exhortation – motivated by encouraging others
- Giving – motivated by generosity and sharing resources
- Leadership – motivated by organizing, vision casting, and goal-setting
- Mercy – motivated by compassion, empathy, and care
Discovering these motivational gifts gives insight into why you feel passionate about serving God in specific ways.
What are the more powerful spiritual gifts?
The apostle Paul does indicate there is a kind of hierarchy when it comes to spiritual gifts. He writes, “And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:28). Although all gifts are important and necessary, he ranks apostleship, prophecy, and teaching as foundational gifts on which the church depends and builds upon. The gifts of tongues and interpretation are also said to be “greater” gifts (1 Corinthians 14:5). However, Paul is clear that no gift is superior to others, just as no part of the body is more important than another (1 Corinthians 12:14-26). Every gift is vital and depends on each other.
Can spiritual gifts be misused?
Yes, unfortunately spiritual gifts can be misused if not exercised properly and for God’s glory. Paul rebuked the Corinthian church for misusing the gifts of tongues and prophecy to create disunity and confusion in the church (1 Corinthians 14). The gift of teaching can be misapplied if not based on sound doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3-7). Good intentions are not enough, believers must use gifts in a way that builds up others and aligns with Scripture.
Can spiritual gifts change?
There is debate among Christians if spiritual gifts can change or evolve over time. Some believe your gifts are permanent, while others say gifts can increase, decrease or new gifts can emerge depending on your faith, obedience and how you use them. Either view is plausible. Paul does tell Timothy, “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…” (2 Timothy 1:6), implying gifts can be strengthened. But the Bible does not definitively say if spiritual gifts can completely change. Either way, believers must stay sensitive to how the Holy Spirit wants them to serve in each season of life.
What if I don’t know my spiritual gift?
Don’t worry! Here are some tips if you are unsure of your gifting:
- Remain patient and keep praying for discernment.
- Explore serving in different ministries to see what fits.
- Focus on cultivating the fruits of the Spirit before the gifts.
- Obey in the small ways God is calling you to serve now.
- Your gift may become more evident with spiritual maturity.
- Not everyone has a predominant gift but all can show love.
Trust the Holy Spirit’s leading and timing in revealing your spiritual gifts. He promises wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5).
How do I use my spiritual gift once I know what it is?
Once you discern your spiritual gifts, here are some ways to start utilizing them:
- Dedicate your gift to God asking Him to use it for His glory.
- Join a ministry team at church that aligns with your gift.
- Get training or mentoring to develop your gift further.
- Practice your gift by serving consistently.
- Remain teachable and humble while using your gift.
- Remember gifts are given to serve others, not boast.
As you faithfully use your gifts, God will open more and more opportunities for you to bless others in amazing ways!
What are the greatest spiritual gifts I should desire?
Paul actually addresses this question in 1 Corinthians 14. He writes, “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1). So according to Paul, the greatest gifts to seek after are:
- Love – This supersedes all other gifts. Without love, gifts are useless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
- Prophecy – This gift edifies and strengthens the church through revelation, instruction and exhortation from God’s Word (1 Corinthians 14:3-5). It also convicts unbelievers of sin and points to Jesus (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).
While prophecy is very beneficial, all gifts – if undergirded with love – play an indispensable role in displaying God’s kingdom to the world.
How can I discover my spiritual gifts as a teenager?
For teenagers eager to identify their gifting, here are some ideas:
- Pray consistently and ask your parents and youth leaders for guidance.
- Study the spiritual gifts in God’s Word so you understand them better.
- Try serving in different ministries in your youth group.
- Complete spiritual gift assessments to gain insight.
- Journal about your passions and skills you feel confident using.
- Look for confirmation from peers and leaders about your strengths.
- Focus on developing fruits of the Spirit before gifts.
Remember, be patient. Spiritual maturity over time will provide greater clarity regarding your gifts. Focus on humility, faithfulness and availability as God shapes you into the person He wants you to become.
Conclusion
Discovering your spiritual gifts is an exciting journey! God has crafted you uniquely to play a vital role in the church. As you get clarity about your gift mix, continue praying for wisdom to steward your gifts well for God’s glory. Don’t compare your gift to others but rejoice that the Spirit equips every believer as He wills. Use your gifts to keep in step with the Spirit’s empowerment and bear fruit for eternity. Walk in humility, avoid pride or arrogance, and remember all glory belongs to God alone as vessels of His grace. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, abide in Him, and your gifts will be a conduit of His love to a hurting world.
