The discovery of spiritual gifts
Discovering Spiritual Gifts: How to Recognize and Use Them in Church Life
Spiritual gifts are not just special abilities that distinguish people from one another. They are divine tools that God gives each believer for service, building the church, and expanding His kingdom on earth. In this article, we will explore how to discover your spiritual gifts and how best to use them for the glory of God.
What are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are the grace of God, not human merit. God endows us with His gifts so that we can serve others. Hebrews 2:4 states:
Hebrews 2:4"God also testified to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will."
Each gift has its purpose and path of service! If you want to know what gifts you have, it is worth going through several stages of self-discovery.
1. Prayer and Reflection
First of all, you need to turn to God in prayer. Ask Him to reveal your gifts to you. Listen for His voice. As James 1:5 says:
James 1:5"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
Pray for clarity and for God to reveal your potential to you.
2. Studying the Bible
It is not enough to just pray. Studying the Scriptures will help you understand the diversity of spiritual gifts. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6:
1 Corinthians 12:4-6"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them; there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord; there are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."
This text shows that while the gifts are different, they all come from God. That is why it is important to study them.
3. Self-Observation
Pay attention to what you enjoy doing. What activities bring you joy? What do you engage in effortlessly? God’s gifts often manifest in our nature and passions. In Romans 12:6-8 it says:
Romans 12:6-8"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is encouraging, then encourage; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
Your gifts can be beneficial not only to you but also to the church.
Using Spiritual Gifts
Once you have recognized your gifts, it is important to start using them. This can be through church service, helping in charitable projects, joint prayer, or supporting those in need. Remember, the use of gifts should be done in love. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 we read:
1 Corinthians 13:1-3"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."
Only gifts manifested in love will yield results.
Dear brothers and sisters, open your hearts to understanding your gifts, and may they be for the service of the Free and Almighty God, so that we together may grow in faith and love.
