Discovering your spiritual gifts is a process, and that process is different for everyone. Some people may identify their gifts quickly and for others it may take time. In addition to our online Spiritual Gifts Assessment Tool, use the tools below to earnestly seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance as to your gift(s).
Have Faith
The simple fact that you have visited this project website is a great first step. You have shown interest in the spiritual gifts and perhaps in the back of your mind you may already have an inclination of what your gift(s) may be. If you don’t – that’s ok too – perhaps the Holy Spirit has led you here so you can get started. Everyone is different.
The first and foremost thing you must believe is that the Bible makes it very clear that everyone baptized in the Body of Christ is given at least one spiritual gift. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:
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 (emphasis mine)
The Holy Spirit works in all of us who follow Christ, and Paul makes it very clear that the spiritual gifts are given to each one of us. Have faith in this fact, even if you are not sure what that gift might be.
“Our Rate of spiritual progress depends on our commitment. Much diligence is needed to make good progress. If we resolve bravely and then fall short, how will it be with those who never resolve or do so freely? But many things cause us to abandon our commitment , yet just a trivial lack of holy disciplines can cause us to lose our resolve. Our commitment depends more on the grace of God than upon our own wisdom. We must trust him with everything we have.”
Watkins, James N.
The Imitation of Christ, Classic Devotions in Today’s Language, writings of Thomas A Kempis, p. 206
Prayer
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 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
Jesus makes the promise that he will answer prayers. Regular and earnest prayer is key to discovering the spiritual gift(s) you have been given and understanding them. In your heart you must earnestly seek your place within Christ’s Body of Believers (all Christians) and your gifts will be revealed to you through the Holy Spirit.
It may not happen as quickly as you like but it will happen if you continue to bring it before God in prayer. He will answer you. If you feel you know your gift(s) it doesn’t stop there. Pray for insight and wisdom as to how and when to use your gift.
Study the Scriptures
4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Read and meditate over the scriptures concerning the gifts. No man made checklist, book or website (including this one!) will ever give you a clear understanding of your gift as it comes from the Holy Spirit to each individually. Unfortunately for all of us you cannot turn to the back of your Bible and find “Paul’s Checklist to the Spiritual Gifts”.
The good news is that the Apostle Paul writes extensively about the spiritual gifts in his letters, most prominently in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12-13, and Ephesians 4. I have written a series of posts that “unpack” Paul’s writings to help you understand what the gifts are about and how they are to be used. You can read those posts by clicking here: Unpacking Paul
Talents and Passions
You individual talents, likes, and passions for various activities or tasks may be your first insight into what your gift(s) are. They may indicate a gift just below the surface that God has a plan for within the Body. Through prayer, ask God to give insight into these passions and talents. The Holy Spirit will place upon your heart the answer you are seeking.
Don’t Assume your Vocation is your Gift
Have you ever been to a bad doctor? Just because someone is knowledgeable about healing the human body doesn’t mean they have the gift of healing. Don’t jump to the conclusion that your chosen field of study or work is tied to your Spiritual Gift(s). It may or may not be, depending on the choices you have made in your life and what the Holy Spirit has led you to. Don’t ignore your vocation but ask yourself how the Spiritual Gift(s) work their way into it.
Seek Opportunities
If you feel aware of your spiritual gift(s) you should seek opportunities to use them as part of the Body of Christ. The whole purpose of the spiritual gift(s) is to use them in love for your fellow man as part of Christ’s church. Remember that the Body of Christ is more than the four walls and congregation of our local church – His Body encompasses all Christians throughout the world.
4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:4-5 NIV
Look at your church home and beyond for ways to use your gift(s). Opportunities will also present themselves in ways you had not noticed before.
Don’t Try and Choose
Lastly – don’t try and choose what gift you have. The Holy Spirit takes care of this, not you! You can certainly pray for a specific gift and the Holy Spirit may chose to give it to you. God’s will is the deciding factor. You might be surprised where He leads you on your spiritual journey and what gift(s) he provides you with.
