Discovering your spiritual gifts is a powerful moment in your faith journey. It brings clarity about how you can serve others, deepen your connection with God, and find fulfillment in your purpose. But once you’ve identified your gifts, what’s next? Here are some practical steps to help you cultivate and use your spiritual gifts effectively.

1. Pray for Guidance

Your spiritual gifts are meant to glorify God and serve His kingdom. Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal how He wants you to use them. Seek wisdom in Scripture and be open to His leading in unexpected ways.

2. Develop Your Gifts

Just like natural talents, spiritual gifts need to be nurtured. If you have the gift of teaching, consider taking courses or studying biblical teaching methods. If your gift is hospitality, practice opening your home to others. Growing in your gifts strengthens their impact.

3. Seek Mentorship

Find someone who has experience in your area of gifting and learn from them. A mentor can provide wisdom, accountability, and encouragement as you develop your abilities.

4. Cultivate and Use Your Gifts in Your Church or Community

Your spiritual gifts are meant to bless others. Cultivate and use your spiritual gifts by getting involved in ministries, volunteer work, or leadership roles. Whether it’s serving in worship, teaching, administration, or encouragement, find ways to apply them in practical settings.

5. Stay Humble and Open to Growth

Spiritual gifts are not about personal gain but about serving others. Stay humble and continually seek growth. Be open to feedback, and always check that your motives align with God’s will.

6. Encourage Others in Their Gifts

As you grow in your gifts, help others discover theirs! Encourage and uplift those around you, affirming the gifts you see in them. A thriving community is built when everyone uses their God-given abilities for the greater good.

7. Trust God’s Timing

You may not see the full picture of how God will use your gifts right away. Be patient and trust His plan. Continue to seek opportunities to serve, and know that every small act of faithfulness is part of a bigger purpose.

Final Thoughts

Recognizing your spiritual gifts is just the beginning. The real joy comes from cultivating and using your spiritual gifts to impact lives and glorify God. As you step out in faith, remember that your gifts are meant to be shared—and the world is waiting for what you have to offer.

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Every time I read the following passage, I am amazed at how relevant it remains, despite being written in the early 1400s. Its timeless wisdom provides three profound lessons for our spiritual walk with Christ:

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1

“You must not trust every word of others or feelings within yourselves, but cautiously and patiently ask if the matter is godly. Unhappily, we are so weak that we find it easier to believe and speak evil of others rather than their good. But Christ-like people do not pay attention to every bit of news, because they know that in human weakness they are prone to evil and untruthful words.

This is great wisdom for us: not to be hasty in our actions or stubborn in our own opinions. A part of this wisdom is also not to believe every word we hear, nor to tell others all that we hear, nor even what we believe. Take advice from a person who is wise and has a good conscience. Let us seek to learn from one wiser than ourselves rather than follow our own imaginations.

A good life makes us wise toward God and gives us experience in many things. The more humble we are and the more obedient we are toward God, the wiser we will be in all things, and the more our souls will be at peace.”

– The Imitation of Christ, Watkins, p. 62–63

Lesson 1: Discernment Through the Holy Spirit

In our modern world, we are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information from countless sources. News, social media, conversations, and even our own internal thoughts compete for attention. Kempis reminds us that the most critical filter for processing all this information is to ask: Is this godly?

God is the ultimate source of truth, and anything contrary to His nature cannot be trusted. Satan, the adversary, is skilled at crafting lies wrapped in a thin veneer of truth, exploiting our human vulnerabilities. This is why we need discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit, to distinguish truth from deception.

Practicing discernment may slow down our decision-making process, but as Kempis suggests, is that really a bad thing if it means getting closer to the truth? Rushing often leads to mistakes, while careful, prayerful reflection guided by the Spirit aligns us with God’s will.

(For more on this topic, see my related post: Patience and the Spiritual Gifts.)

Lesson 2: Wisdom in Thought and Action

Kempis warns us not to be hasty in our actions or stubborn in our opinions. Both haste and stubbornness can leave us vulnerable to deception. When we act impulsively, especially under the influence of strong emotions like anger, fear, or pride, we bypass the opportunity for thoughtful reflection and spiritual guidance.

Wisdom involves pausing to reflect and inviting the Holy Spirit into our decision-making process. Haste often leads to the spread of misinformation, unkind words, or actions that harm others. Kempis’ advice is a reminder to guard our hearts and words, being mindful of the consequences they may have on others and on our witness for Christ.

By exercising patience and thoughtfulness, we open ourselves to God’s wisdom and allow Him to guide our responses in a Christ-like manner.

Lesson 3: Humility, Obedience, and Peace

Kempis concludes by linking humility and obedience to God with wisdom and inner peace. In a world that often glorifies pride and self-sufficiency, humility can feel countercultural. Yet, it is through humility that we recognize our dependence on God and open ourselves to His guidance.

Obedience to God requires trusting in His wisdom over our own. When we surrender our will to His, we gain the peace that comes from knowing we are walking in alignment with His purpose. This peace is not the absence of challenges but the assurance that God is with us, guiding and sustaining us through every trial.

A Call to Live with Discernment

Kempis’ words remain as relevant today as they were over six centuries ago. In a noisy, fast-paced world, his call to discernment, wisdom, and humility invites us to slow down, seek God’s truth, and live in peace.

Let us take these lessons to heart as we strive to follow Christ more closely:

• Test the spirits and seek discernment from the Holy Spirit.
• Be wise, patient, and thoughtful in both actions and opinions.
• Embrace humility and obedience to God, trusting in His wisdom and finding peace in His presence.

May these timeless truths shape our hearts and minds, drawing us closer to Christ each day.

The post Living with Discernment: Timeless Lessons from Thomas à Kempis appeared first on The Spiritual Gifts Project.

Here’s how spiritual gifts contribute to the production of the fruit of the Spirit:

1. Spiritual Gifts Are Tools, and the Fruit Is the Evidence of Transformation

Spiritual gifts empower believers to serve others effectively, but they must be exercised in love and with godly character to be truly effective. The fruit of the Spirit—qualities like love, joy, and patience—ensure that spiritual gifts are used in a way that glorifies God and benefits others. For example:

• A teacher with the spiritual gift of teaching becomes more effective when their instruction is infused with love, kindness, and gentleness.
• A leader with the gift of administration will inspire trust when they lead with faithfulness, peace, and self-control.

The presence of the fruit ensures that spiritual gifts are not misused or wielded selfishly.

2. Gifts Shape the Environment for Fruit to Grow

When spiritual gifts are exercised, they foster environments where the fruit of the Spirit can flourish:

• A pastor using the gift of shepherding creates a community that encourages love and peace among members.
• An evangelist’s boldness may inspire others to grow in faithfulness and joy as they see God’s work in action.

Spiritual gifts build the Church, and a Spirit-filled community helps individuals grow in their Christlike character.

3. Fruit Grounds the Use of Gifts in Godly Character

The Apostle Paul emphasized the importance of love (a fruit of the Spirit) as the foundation for all spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 13:

• Without love, gifts like prophecy and knowledge lose their value.
• The fruit of the Spirit ensures that gifts are used not for personal gain but to edify others and glorify God.

For example, someone with the gift of exhortation will be most effective when delivering their encouragement with kindness, gentleness, and self-control.

4. Fruit Reflects the Outcome of Gifted Service

When spiritual gifts are used in alignment with God’s will, they produce fruit in the lives of others. A spiritually gifted counselor, for instance, might help someone grow in peace and joy. Similarly, a teacher using their gift might inspire their students to exhibit greater faithfulness and self-control.

In this way, the fruit of the Spirit is both the foundation and the result of spiritual gifts being used effectively.

5. The Holy Spirit Is the Source of Both Gifts and Fruit

Both spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit originate from the same source: the Holy Spirit. When believers submit to the Spirit, He empowers them with gifts for ministry and nurtures fruit in their lives. The more we align with the Spirit, the more our gifts and fruit work in harmony.

For example:

• As a believer exercises their gift of servanthood, they may also experience personal growth in patience and kindness.
• Using the gift of healing might cultivate deeper faithfulness and love as the healer witnesses God’s power at work.

Conclusion

Spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit are complementary aspects of a Spirit-filled life. Gifts empower believers to serve others and build the Church, while the fruit ensures that their service reflects the character of Christ. Together, they enable believers to fulfill their God-given purpose in a way that glorifies Him and blesses others.

As you discover and use your spiritual gifts, allow the Holy Spirit to cultivate His fruit in you. This balance ensures that your ministry is not only impactful but also deeply rooted in the character of Christ.

Reflection Questions: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit through Spiritual Gifts

As you consider how the spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit work together in your life, here are some reflection questions to help you grow in your faith and service:

1. How are you currently using your spiritual gifts to serve others?
   Reflect on the areas in your life where you are actively using your gifts. Are you serving with love, humility, and a heart of service, or do you need to realign your motives with God’s will?
2. What fruit of the Spirit do you feel most called to grow in right now?
   Think about the qualities listed in Galatians 5:22. Is there a particular fruit (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.) that you feel God is calling you to cultivate more deeply in your life? How can you intentionally nurture it?
3. How can you ensure that your spiritual gifts are exercised in love?
   Paul emphasizes that love is the key to the effectiveness of all spiritual gifts. Are there areas in your service where you may be operating without a Christlike love? How can you bring greater love into your work for others?
4. In what ways can your spiritual gifts foster an environment for the fruit of the Spirit to grow in others?
   Think about your interactions with others. How can your use of gifts like teaching, leadership, or hospitality help create a space where others can experience peace, joy, and growth in Christ?
5. Do you sometimes feel that your gifts are disconnected from your personal growth in Christ?
   If you’ve been serving in a ministry or role for some time, consider whether you’re growing in the fruit of the Spirit as you serve. How can you stay grounded in Christ’s character while using your gifts?
6. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to empower both your gifts and the fruit in your life?
   Reflect on your reliance on the Holy Spirit. Are there areas where you are trying to serve or grow in your own strength? How can you invite the Spirit into your daily life to empower both your service and your character?
7. What practical steps can you take today to allow the fruit of the Spirit to be more visible in your life?
   Consider practical ways to express love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and the other fruits of the Spirit in your relationships and actions this week. How can you align your actions with God’s Spirit in a tangible way?

By reflecting on these questions, you can deepen your understanding of how spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit work together to transform your life and impact the lives of others. The Holy Spirit’s work in us is a continuous process—let’s continue to grow, serve, and live out the fruit of the Spirit with joy and purpose.

The post The Spiritual Gifts and the Fruit of the Spirit appeared first on The Spiritual Gifts Project.

Patience in Discovering Your Gifts

When some Christians reach the point in their Christian life where they are seeking the spiritual gifts, it can be hard for some to not be impatient about what the Holy Spirit may bestow upon them as their gift. We must remember that the Holy Spirit reveals the spiritual gifts on God’s schedule and not our own. No matter what readings, sermons or questionnaires we engage in we can still feel as if we have not received any direction. This can quickly lead to frustration and possible feelings of abandonment by the Holy Spirit and a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out!). In addition, some Christians may try aggressively seek their gifts in their own way by assumption or choosing gifts they want versus what they have been actually given by the Spirit. This lack of patience waiting for the Holy Spirit to act can adversely effect not only the person but also the body of Christ where they serve.

Consider Paul’s writings in the Letter to the Romans, Chapter 5:

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 5:1-5 KJV

In seeking the spiritual gifts our own impatience can cause self-inflicted tribulation. We must be at peace where God has led us in our walk with Him, and have patience that when it is time for us to know and use our spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit will reveal them to us. Use prayer, meditation, and Bible study to gain peace and patience for the Holy Spirit to act.

Prayer: Ask God for clarity and discernment on what your spiritual gift may be. Include in your prayers a request for patience in all that you do.

Meditation: Meditation is not just some out of body relaxation or Zen experience. Meditation is to think deeply and carefully about a subject. Keep the spiritual gifts top of mind in your day to day.

Bible study: Read and reflect on parts of the Bible that address the spiritual gifts. There are a number of resources on this site, including a list of Bible verses relevant to each spiritual gift included with their descriptions. This site also maintains a list of writings outside of the Bible that can provide insight in the References section.

Patience in the Use and Fruit of Your Gifts

Impatience can also arise with those who have found their spiritual gifts and are seeking how to use them. The range of emotions felt at this stage can lead some to become aggressive with the use of their spiritual gifts. This manifests itself by people getting involved in anything and everything they feel is related to their gift instead of asking the Holy Spirit for guidance. The result can be people imposing their will on others, becoming boisterous or overconfident in their decisions and actions because of their gift, and creating frustrations when the fruit of their labors is not immediately felt, seen, or appreciated.

In Wilhem Pauck’s book Luther: Lectures on Romans, he notes in the commentary what Martin Luther writes in relation to Romans 2:7 linked to the passage that reads “By patience in well-doing”.

Those who are impatient, and complain of the suffering they have to bear while doing the good, thereby show that their doing the good is not from God but that it is, rather, an assumption of human righteousness by which man does the good for his own sake, because he seeks to be honored and respected thereby, and because of it he resents it to be slandered, defamed, and hated on account of it.

This is why it is said in James 1:4: “Let patience have its perfect work,” i.e. though any virtue may produce a good work, only patience will bring forth the perfect good, namely, something that is not beset by any vice nor begun in the love of praise of self nor left undone for fear of blame, but completed and brought to and end in the love of God.

Pauck, 45

Our adversary, the devil, tries to insert himself in everything that we do. Using your spiritual gifts is something that he does not like and he will do anything he can to stop it. His influence can bring about those feelings of frustration when the fruits are not what you would like them to be. We have to keep pride out of the work we do and keep the focus on God. Remember what Paul writes in Romans 12:3 right before he talks about the spiritual gifts.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

Romans 12:3 NIV

Through patience, prayer and faith it will be revealed to us by the Holy Spirit on what use our gifts are to the body of Christ.

Patience: Seek to understand your spiritual gift. Talk to your Pastor or community leaders to see where you might be needed. Resist the urge to rush things.

Prayer: Add understanding of your gift to your regular prayers. Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance on where you are needed.

Faith: Know that you have a gift and you are to use it. The Apostle Paul is very clear that everyone in the body of Christ is given at least one spiritual gift (Romans 12:6).

Patience is so important in our spiritual journey and it often is overlooked as a virtue. I hope this article has provided you some things to consider related to patience and the spiritual gifts. Feel free to comment below or contact me with any questions or observations you may have. God Bless!

Copyright 2024 by The Spiritual Gifts Project. All rights reserved.

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Discovering spiritual gifts is a personal journey, one that is unique to each individual. For some, identifying these gifts is a quick process, while for others, it may take more time. Alongside our Spiritual Gifts Assessment Tool, the following steps will help guide you in seeking the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and discovering the gifts that are uniquely yours.

1. Have Faith

Simply visiting this website is a powerful first step. Your curiosity about spiritual gifts shows that you are open to exploring what God has for you. Whether you already suspect what your gift(s) might be or are still uncertain, trust that the Holy Spirit has brought you here for a reason. Remember, everyone’s journey is different.

The Bible is clear that every believer, baptized into the Body of Christ, is given at least one spiritual gift. In 1 Corinthians 12:11, the Apostle Paul writes:

“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” (1 Corinthians 12:11, NIV)

Have faith in this truth, even if you don’t yet know what your specific gift is. As James N. Watkins writes, spiritual progress requires commitment and trust in God’s grace, not just our own wisdom. Rely on Him for guidance.

2. Pray Earnestly

In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus promises:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8, NIV)

Prayer is essential in discovering your spiritual gifts. Regularly bring your heart before God, earnestly seeking your place within the Body of Christ. While it may take time, God will reveal your gifts as you persist in prayer. If you already sense what your gift(s) may be, continue praying for clarity and guidance on how to use them in His service.

3. Study the Scriptures

Paul’s letters, particularly in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-13, and Ephesians 4, offer invaluable insights on spiritual gifts. Meditate on these passages, for they explain the different kinds of gifts and their purpose within the church. No list or tool, including this one, can replace the understanding that comes from studying the Word of God. The gifts come from the Holy Spirit, and personal reflection on scripture will deepen your understanding.

You can explore more about Paul’s teachings on spiritual gifts by reading my detailed blog posts in the “Unpacking Paul” series, where we dive into these biblical passages.

4. Explore Your Talents and Passions

Your natural talents and passions can be clues to your spiritual gifts. What activities or tasks do you feel naturally drawn to? These interests could be pointing to a deeper calling within the Body of Christ. Through prayer, ask the Holy Spirit to give you insight into how your talents and passions align with your spiritual gifts.

5. Don’t Confuse Your Vocation with Your Gift

It’s important to distinguish between your career or vocation and your spiritual gifts. Just because you work in a field like medicine, for example, doesn’t necessarily mean you have the gift of healing. Your vocation is part of God’s plan for your life, but it may not directly relate to your spiritual gifts. Reflect on how your spiritual gifts might complement your vocation, and ask God to show you how they can be used to serve others.

6. Seek Opportunities to Serve

Once you recognize your spiritual gift(s), seek ways to use them within the Body of Christ. The purpose of these gifts is to build up others and to serve the church, which is more than just your local congregation. Christ’s Body includes all believers across the world.

As Romans 12:4-5 states:

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:4-5, NIV)

Look for opportunities within your church and beyond to use your gifts to serve others. Keep your eyes open for opportunities that may not have been obvious before.

7. Don’t Try to Choose Your Gift

Finally, don’t try to force a specific gift upon yourself. The Holy Spirit is the one who determines which gifts are given to each believer. While you may pray for certain gifts, trust that the Holy Spirit knows what is best for you and for the Body of Christ. Be open to receiving the gifts that He has for you, knowing that they are intended for His glory and for the good of others.

Discovering your spiritual gifts is a journey that requires patience, prayer, and faith. Trust in God’s guidance as you explore the gifts He has given you, and be ready to use them to serve His Kingdom and to bless others.

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