What are the Spiritual Gifts?

I have categorized the spiritual gifts into the following groups for ease of study:

GroupGifts
GreaterApostle, Evangelism, Shepherd, Teacher, Prophecy
EducationWisdom, Discernment, Knowledge
CommunicationFaith, Miracles, Tongues (Speaking & Interpreting)
Individual HelpHelping, Healing, Exhortation, Compassion
Service to the BodyGiving, Leadership, Servanthood, Administration

Gifts of Education

The Gifts of Education bring understanding, clarity, and practical application of God’s Word to the body. These gifts enable the will of God to be communicated in ways that make it accessible to everyone. Those with these gifts play a vital role in disseminating knowledge, distinguishing truth from falsehood, and applying spiritual principles and insights to everyday decisions. These gifts are divine in origin, not a product of human experience or education. They illuminate the spiritual significance and relevance behind issues and decisions, allowing for clear understanding and alignment with God’s purpose.

Gifts of Communication

The Gifts of Communication serve as the spiritual backbone of the body. Just as Christ is the head, individuals with these gifts function as the central nervous system. They possess a heightened ability to sense God’s work on a deeper level than others within the body. These individuals are fervent in prayer, effectively illustrating the power and fruits of prayer to everyone they encounter. Their profound trust in God’s will enables them to propel the body forward, providing a foundation of faith that inspires and uplifts others. Through their gifts, they become living examples of God’s love, reaching out to those who are not yet part of the body or who may be drifting away.

Gifts of Helps

The Gifts of Helps focus on providing support and care to individual members of the body. These gifts differ from the Gifts of Service, which are centered on serving the body as a whole. Those with the Gifts of Helps can be seen as “first responders” in moments of crisis, whether physical or spiritual. They are dedicated to going above and beyond to assist others in their time of need. Individuals with these gifts often engage in work that involves one-on-one care or participation in group settings where their primary focus is aiding individuals within the group.

Gifts of Service

The Gifts of Service focus on the common good of the body, distinct from the Gifts of Helps by emphasizing the behind-the-scenes efforts essential for the body’s overall function and progression in God’s plan. Those with these gifts are the unsung heroes who ensure organization, provide resources, handle daily tasks, and offer administrative guidance to the body. Their dedication enables others to focus on their callings without worrying about the operational health of the body. They find joy in seeing their efforts contribute to the growth and flourishing of others in Christ. Without their contributions, the work of bringing people to Christ would become slow, cumbersome, and mired in logistical challenges.

Greater Gifts

Paul tells us in the Bible that all spiritual gifts are equal in value and vital to the body of Christ. Why, then, does he refer to some gifts as “greater” or “higher” and list them in order of importance at the end of 1 Corinthians 12? Simply put, these gifts are considered “greater” due to the level of responsibility they carry. Those entrusted with these gifts often lead, teach, and care for the members of the body, serving in roles that impact the community as a whole.

A person with one or more of the greater gifts often demonstrates a culmination or blending of other spiritual gifts, reflecting the depth and breadth of their calling. When studying these greater gifts, look for the presence of complementary gifts that align with their purpose. While not all individuals with the same gift will express it in the same way, as the Holy Spirit bestows gifts uniquely, certain patterns and similarities may emerge among those with these significant callings.

Spiritual Gifts versus Natural Talents

Source and Purpose

  • Spiritual Gifts: These are divinely bestowed by the Holy Spirit, given to believers to fulfill God’s purposes within the body of Christ. They are explicitly designed for spiritual growth, service, and advancing God’s kingdom.
  • Natural Talents: These are innate abilities or skills often present from birth and can be cultivated through practice and experience. Their purpose is broader, often benefiting personal goals, society, or career achievements.

Function and Impact

  • Spiritual Gifts: Their primary focus is on spiritual service, such as teaching, evangelizing, encouraging, or showing mercy. They are used to edify the church, support fellow believers, and reflect God’s love to the world.
  • Natural Talents: These abilities, like musical proficiency, athletic skills, or intellectual capabilities, have secular applications but can also be used for God’s glory when dedicated to Him.

Accessibility

  • Spiritual Gifts: These are given exclusively to believers and are empowered by the Holy Spirit. They often emerge or grow in strength as one matures in faith and submits to God’s will.
  • Natural Talents: These are accessible to all people, regardless of faith, and rely on practice and effort to develop and refine.

Recognition and Use

  • Spiritual Gifts: They are identified through prayer, discernment, and spiritual growth, often emerging in areas of ministry or service. They require dependence on the Holy Spirit for effectiveness.
  • Natural Talents: These are often recognized early in life and are honed through education, training, and experience.

In essence, while natural talents reflect God’s creative design in all humanity, spiritual gifts are specific, Spirit-driven empowerments given to believers for the unique purpose of building the body of Christ and advancing His mission.

Detailed information on each gift can be found in the links below. Be sure to try our online Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire to assist you in your discernment of your Spiritual Gift.