What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit; What Is Their Purpose?

We receive the Holy Spirit the moment we put our faith in Jesus Christ. He is constantly at work in our lives and grants each of us a personalized gift. What are these gifts of the Holy Spirit and what is their purpose?

what are the gifts of the Holy Spirit and What is their purpose?- hands holding a small white box tied with dark gold bow against a blurry dotted background.

We find the origin of spiritual gifts in John 14:16-17. Jesus comforts His disciples by promising the gift of Himself in spiritual form to live within them after He is gone.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth.”

The Spirit also empowers us to use our spiritual gifts. Jesus’ last words before being taken up into heaven were this promise:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirt comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8.

We are fulfilling the “to the ends of the earth” part today!

The purpose of spiritual gifts is to reveal God’s glory as we use them to minister to the needs of others. When we use them, we are showing Him to those around us. 

They differ from the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) which are the character traits and virtues found in the nature of Jesus – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Because He lives within us, we already possess the fruits of the Spirit. 

These fruits need to be nurtured to grow. They develop as we get to know Him better and pattern our lives after His.

We all have the fruit of the Spirit that flourishes over time, but our spiritual gifts indicate a special skill or ability planned just for us.

The apostle Paul helps us understand our special gift from God.

1Corinthans 12:1

“Now about spiritual gifts, brothers; I do not want you to be ignorant.”

The Corinthian Christians were Gentiles who previously worshiped idols. Paul wanted them (and us) to have a true understanding of spiritual gifts.

1 Corinthians 12:7

Why are we given spiritual gifts? They are to benefit the entire church, not ourselves or certain individuals/groups.

“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

Gifts of the Holy Spirit Verse

Paul continues with this Spiritual gift list: (bold is mine)

“To one there is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-11. NKJV.

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it icontributing to the needs of others, let him give generously, if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8.

“And in the church God appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28

As you can see, there is a partial overlap, but mostly, very different lists. Even so, God can give gifts that aren’t even on these lists!

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Spiritual Gifts and their Meanings

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit: and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6.

How Many Spiritual Gifts are There? 

The number ranges from 7 to 21! Some believe the “miraculous gifts” given to believers, as mentioned in the New Testament, ceased when the Bible became a written record. Some consider certain gifts as offices in the church, not spiritual gifts. 

No matter what gift we have, the Holy Spirit gives it. He knows you intimately and decides which particular gift is the right choice for us.

Here is a list of the gifts with a short description. As you read through them, think about which ones God is leading you to.

Gift of Wisdom- understands Biblical truth and can apply this Biblical perspective in differing situations.

Gift of Knowledge- understands God’s truth by direct revelation from Him. Loves to study the Bible in depth.

Gift of Faith- faith in God comes as a gift to all who believe in Christ Jesus. The spiritual gift of faith shows a particularly strong confidence in God and uses it to encourage and strengthen others in their faith.

Gift of Healing- seen in the book of Acts, when the apostles healed people by the power of the Holy Spirit through prayer, anointing with oil, laying on of hands, etc. While we may not hear about it as much now, God can empower anyone He chooses with the gift of spiritual healing.

Gift of Miracles– Again, miracles are supernatural signs only God could bring about, and God can use us to do so if He chooses. 

Gift of Prophecy- speaks the divine will of God articulately as a message, warning, comfort, or encouragement. This ability can also be the power to preach the Word of God boldly. 

Discerning of Spirits- ability to discern whether a person who claims to speak for God is actually doing so or is speaking by an evil spirit.

Various Kinds of Tongues– the ability to speak in a language one has never learned. In the New Testament, it was intended as a sign for an unbeliever (1 Corinthians 14:22 ) or a way to pray. (1 Corinthians 14:14)

Interpretations of Tongues– having a supernatural ability to understand and interpret a message given in a foreign language they have never learned.

Gift of Serving– includes any kind of faithful service that helps others in their time of need or ministry to run effectively. Interestingly, the Greek word for serving is “diakonian”- translated into “deacon” in English.

Gift of Teaching/Pastoring– can teach, explain and communicate God’s Word in a meaningful and clear way. Guide and lead believers to spread the good news about Jesus.

Gift of Encouragement– those who inspire others by using God’s truth and promises to build up the weak, comfort those going through trials, or motivate/challenge others in their faith journey.

Contributing to the Needs of Others- faithfully seeks ways to give cheerfully and generously to those in need through finances, resources, and support.

Acts of Mercy-has a heart for relieving the suffering of people around them. Compassionate and takes action, comes alongside to ease suffering and provide encouragement.

Gift of Leadership/Administration- skilled in organization, implementing plans, and leading/managing a ministry.

The Body of Christ

Can you imagine any one person who could possibly possess and excel in all these gifts? No! God needs many hearts, minds, and hands willing to assess and use their unique and wonderful gifts to build up His kingdom and fulfill the Great Commission.

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teacher, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” Ephesians 4:11-12.

The Apostle Paul compares the church, “the body of Christ,” to our human bodies. Jesus is the head, and those who choose to believe and trust in Him are members of the body. 

Each part is significant and needed to be effective in the body of Christ. Once you identify your spiritual gift, you can then put it to use in fulfilling God’s purpose for you.

We should not think more highly of your gift or downplay it. Use your specific gift to the best of your ability. Using your gifts is part of our spiritual growth in relationship with Him!

How Do I Find My Spiritual Gifts?

Ask God to show you how you are gifted and listen for His response or call to serve. Read and study the Scriptures to understand spiritual gifts.

Volunteer in different areas of service to see if your spiritual gift lies there. There are many Spiritual gift tests that may be helpful in helping you discern your gift of the Spirit.

But keep in mind; God may also call you to serve in an area that is not your “gift” but needs you to serve. Remember that He will always equip and empower us with His supernatural gifts if He calls us to a task.

Blessings!

AnnMarie

While I have not personally taken any Spiritual Gift quizzes, here are two that may help you discover your gifts:

https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/quizzes-and-assessments/what-type-of-spiritual-gifts-do-you-have-quiz.html

https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/LifeWayChristianResources/Spiritual%5FGifts%5FAssessmentpdf.pdf

All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.

Photo Credit: Canva

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