Spiritual Gift of Helping

The spiritual gift of helping (or helps) enables a believer to work gladly behind the scenes in order that God’s work is fulfilled. It is the special ability God gives to some to serve the church in a supporting role or to invest their talents in the life and ministry of other members of the body, enabling them to increase their effectiveness. It is a divine enablement to accomplish practical and necessary tasks which free-up, support, and meets the needs of others.

“A steel truss in a building supports its roof, yet it is not seen.  Without the truss the roof would be impossible.”  (Laurin, 226)

the spiritual gift of helping

An Individual Call

Different from the gift of servanthood, the gift of helping is an individual call.  People with this gift tend to take on tasks and responsibilities that they do alone or without much support.  Their love for the members of the body runs deep and they see this service as meeting their spiritual needs.  They have an uncanny ability to do tasks that might seem unpleasant or difficult for others to do and make it look easy.  Their reward is knowing that their help has freed up other members of the body to use their gifts.

Social work, caring for the sick, and providing meals to the needy are just a few examples of how the person with the gift of Helps works in and outside of the body. 

Martin Luther on the Spiritual Gift of Helping

While Martin Luther did not specifically address the spiritual gift of helping in his writings, he did emphasize the importance of serving and caring for others as an essential part of the Christian life.

Luther saw acts of service and charity as an expression of the love and grace of God, and as a way of living out one’s faith in practical and tangible ways. He emphasized the need for believers to care for the physical and spiritual needs of others, particularly those who were poor, sick, or marginalized.

Luther also believed that acts of service and charity were not just the responsibility of individuals, but of the entire Church. He saw the Church as a community of believers who were called to care for one another and to work together to meet the needs of those around them.

John Wesley on the Spiritual Gift of Helping

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, did not specifically address the spiritual gift of helps in his writings. However, his teachings on Christian service and charity are consistent with the biblical concept of the gift of helps.

The gift of helps is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:28, where it is listed among the various gifts that God gives to His people for the building up of the Church. The gift of helps is generally understood to refer to the ability to provide practical assistance and support to others, often behind the scenes or in a less visible way.

Wesley emphasized the importance of Christian service and charity as a key aspect of the Christian life. He believed that Christians were called to love and serve others in practical and tangible ways, and that acts of service and charity were an expression of the love of God and a means of sharing the Gospel with others. He encouraged believers to use their gifts and abilities to serve others and to work for the common good.

Wesley saw Christian service and charity as a way of living out the commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself, and as a means of bearing witness to the transforming power of the Gospel. He believed that acts of service and charity were not just the responsibility of individuals, but of the entire Church, and that the Church was called to be a community of believers who cared for one another and for those in need.

The Catholic Church on the Spiritual Gift of Helping

The Catholic Church recognizes the spiritual gift of helps, which is also known as the gift of service. This gift is listed among the various gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:28, and is understood as the ability to provide practical assistance and support to others in a humble and selfless way.

The Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of service and charity as essential aspects of the Christian life. Catholics are encouraged to imitate Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, and to show love and compassion to those in need.

The Church recognizes that the gift of helps is an important way for Christians to serve others and to demonstrate the love of Christ. This gift is often expressed through acts of kindness, hospitality, and practical assistance, such as visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, and caring for the poor.

The Catholic Church also teaches that every member of the Church has a unique role to play in the work of the Church, and that each person is called to use their gifts and talents to contribute to the common good. The gift of helps is seen as one of the many ways in which Catholics can use their gifts and talents to serve others and build up the Church.

Overall, the Catholic Church places a strong emphasis on the importance of service and charity, and recognizes the gift of helps as an important way in which Christians can express their love for God and their neighbor.

Gifts Testimony

Tricia, a user in Texas, shares this information about the gift:

“I believe being a good listener is an attribute that goes hand in hand with this gift, as well as being aware of my surroundings and calls for help even when they aren’t obvious.  I feel the Holy Spirit leading me when people don’t necessarily share their needs or when I feel they are doing their best to keep their heads above water and may be too proud or downtrodden to admit they need help.”

Chris

In what ways have you used your gift? Please relate examples so that we can better understand the gift and the use.
 I typically offer to pitch in and help do things that others may not want or like to do. I personally don’t like to even point this gift out because I feel like a gift is something that is God given and I don’t take any credit for it.

How would you personally describe the gift from your experiences?
It helps me feel closer to Jesus.

People with this Gift:

  • Serve behind the scenes whenever needed to support the gifts and ministries of others (without having to be asked)
  • See the tangible and practical things to be done and enjoy doing them
  • Sense God’s purpose and pleasure in meeting every day responsibilities
  • Attach spiritual value to practical service
  • Enjoy knowing that they are freeing up others to do what God has called them to do.
  • Would rather do a job than find someone else to do it.
  • Feel like they have purpose when helping someone, especially if it truly makes that person’s life easier.  

Bible References

Luke 8:2-3Women traveling with Jesus as helpers
Luke 22:24-30Jesus says “I am among you as one who serves”
John 13:14-17Jesus washes the apostle’s feet
Acts 6:1-7Apostles choose disciples specifically to tend to the widows so others can minister.
Romans 12:3-8We all have different gifts, given by the Holy Spirit
Romans 16Paul’s personal thanks to those who have helped him and his ministry
1 Corinthians 12:28Gift of Helps specifically mentioned by Paul
Galatians 6:2“Carry each other’s burdens”
Philippians 2:19-23Paul speaks of Timothy and his “genuine interest in your welfare”
1 Peter 4:11God provides strength to those who serve

The Spiritual Gifts Project is always looking for personal perspective about the spiritual gifts. If you would like to share your experiences and help further all of our understanding about a particular spiritual gift, please visit our feedback page.

References

  • Graham, 197-200
  • Laurin, 226
  • Bryant, 95-96

Other Gifts