Gifts of the Spirit
Definition:
The Christian Meaning of “Gifts of the Spirit”
In Christian theology, the “gifts of the Spirit”—sometimes called spiritual gifts—are supernatural abilities, empowerments, or graces given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of:
building up the Church,
serving others,
manifesting God’s presence, and
advancing God’s mission in the world.
These gifts are described primarily in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4.
They are not talents.
They are not personality traits.
They are Spirit-empowered functions given for the good of others.
1. The Source: The Holy Spirit
The gifts originate in the Spirit, not in human ability. Paul emphasizes that all gifts come from the same divine source:
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
— Paul (1 Corinthians 12:11)
This means:
You cannot earn them.
You cannot generate them yourself.
You cannot boast in them.
They are graces, not achievements.
2. The Purpose: Service, Not Status
Spiritual gifts are not badges of superiority or signs of spiritual maturity. Their purpose is service.
As Peter writes:
“Use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace.”
— Peter (1 Peter 4:10)
John Wesley put it this way:
“Spiritual gifts are not for the ornament of a few but for the service of all.”
The gifts are tools—not trophies.
They build others—not the ego.
3. Different Types of Gifts
A. Manifestation Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7–10)
Often associated with supernatural or miraculous activity:
Word of wisdom
Word of knowledge
Faith (extraordinary trust)
Healing
Miracles
Prophecy
Discernment of spirits
Tongues
Interpretation of tongues
Theologian Gordon Fee writes:
“The gifts are manifestations of the Spirit’s presence that serve to reveal the living God among His people.”
B. Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4:11–13)
Given for leadership and equipping:
Apostolic leadership
Prophetic insight
Evangelistic calling
Pastoral care
Teaching
Karl Barth said:
“The gifts of Christ to the Church are people through whom He Himself works.”
C. Motivational Gifts (Romans 12:6–8)
Shapes how believers naturally serve:
Encouragement
Giving
Helping
Leading
Mercy
Teaching
Prophecy (forth-telling, not only foretelling)
Theologian John Stott noted:
“These gifts show the many ways grace flows through human personality.”
4. Gifts Are Diverse but Unified
Paul uses the metaphor of the body:
“There are many members, but one body.”
— Paul (1 Corinthians 12:20)
This means:
No one has all the gifts.
The church needs the gifts others have.
Diversity is intentional and essential.
Ignatius of Antioch (1st century) wrote:
“Where the Spirit is, there is diversity; and where there is diversity ordered in love, there is God.”
5. Gifts Without Love Are Empty
1 Corinthians 13 is intentionally placed between chapters 12 and 14.
Paul’s message is clear:
“If I have… all knowledge, and all faith, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
— Paul (1 Corinthians 13:2)
Love is not a spiritual gift—it’s the context in which every gift must operate.
A.W. Tozer wrote:
“A gift of the Spirit that does not express the fruit of the Spirit is not the Spirit at all.”
6. Gifts Are Not Indicators of Holiness or Salvation
Gifts show the Spirit works through someone.
Fruit shows the Spirit works within someone.
John Calvin emphasized:
“The gifts of the Spirit are distributed without regard to merit; the fruit of the Spirit belongs to sanctification.”
7. All Believers Have Gifts
Every Christian receives at least one gift.
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit.”
— Paul (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Dietrich Bonhoeffer adds:
“Every Christian is a bearer of divine gifts meant for the strengthening of others.”
No believer is giftless.
No gift is useless.
8. Gifts Must Be Exercised
Paul commands believers to use their gifts:
“Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you.”
— Paul (2 Timothy 1:6)
John Chrysostom (4th century) said:
“A gift unused is a gift despised.”
9. Gifts Are for Today
Most Christian traditions—including Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal, and many evangelical and Anglican groups—believe the gifts continue.
Jack Hayford wrote:
“The Holy Spirit has never withdrawn the tools He gave the Church.”
Some Reformed traditions hold cessationist views, but even many within Reformed circles now accept at least partial continuation.
Summary
The Christian concept of the “gifts of the Spirit” refers to supernatural empowerments given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of serving others, building the Church, and manifesting God’s presence.
They are:
given by the Spirit
for the good of others
diverse but united
dependent on love
meant to be used
not signs of superiority
available to every believer
Or as the early church father Irenaeus wrote:
“Where the Church is, there is the Spirit of God; and where the Spirit of God is, there are the gifts of God.”
Biblical Imagery & Metaphors:
Tools in a craftsman’s hands.
A body with many parts.
Flames lighting many lamps.
In Daily Faith:
Spiritual gifts are for service, not status. They are expressions of God’s love through His people.
The Gifts of the Spirit in Daily Life
The Gifts of the Spirit are divine empowerments given to every believer for the purpose of serving others, building up the Church, and manifesting God’s presence in the world. These gifts come from the Holy Spirit, not from our own abilities, and they are given for the common good, not for personal glory.
Here’s how to understand and apply the Gifts of the Spirit in your everyday walk with Christ:
1. Understanding the Gifts of the Spirit
The gifts of the Spirit are not talents or personality traits, but supernatural abilities given by God for the purpose of building up others. Paul explains that the Holy Spirit gives these gifts to each believer as He wills, and they are to be used to serve the body of Christ.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7 — "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
Practical Application: Recognize that your gifts are not for self-promotion but for the benefit of others. Look for opportunities to use them to serve God’s people in love and humility.
2. The Source: The Holy Spirit
The gifts are given by the Holy Spirit, and they are not earned or achieved through human effort. This means that no one can boast in their gifts, and the gifts should never be used to compare or elevate one person over another.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:11 — "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines."
Practical Application: Be humble in using your gifts. Acknowledge that they are from the Holy Spirit, and that He alone determines who gets what gifts. Avoid pride and remember that all gifts are given for the glory of God.
3. The Purpose: Service, Not Status
The purpose of the gifts is always to serve others. They are not to be used as badges of spiritual superiority or as a means of gaining recognition. Spiritual gifts are tools for building up the Church and advancing God’s kingdom.
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10 — "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace."
Practical Application: When using your spiritual gifts, ask yourself: "How can I serve others with this gift?" Whether it’s teaching, encouragement, healing, or leadership, make sure your gifts are focused on others’ growth, not on your own status.
4. Types of Gifts: Manifestation, Ministry, and Motivational Gifts
There are different types of spiritual gifts, each serving a specific purpose in the body of Christ:
Manifestation Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7–10): Supernatural gifts like healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues that reveal God’s power and presence.
Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4:11–13): Leadership gifts such as apostleship, pastoral care, and evangelism that equip the Church for ministry.
Motivational Gifts (Romans 12:6–8): Natural gifts like encouragement, giving, and leadership that shape how believers serve others.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 — "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them."
Practical Application: Recognize that your gifts might fall into different categories and that God has given you specific gifts for specific purposes. Embrace your unique calling and use your gifts with joy and responsibility.
5. Gifts Are Diverse but Unified
The gifts of the Spirit are diverse, but they work together in unity, just as the different parts of a body work together for a single purpose. No one person has all the gifts; each believer contributes to the whole body of Christ.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:20 — "As it is, there are many parts, but one body."
Practical Application: Appreciate the diversity of gifts in the Church and be willing to work alongside others. Recognize that everyone’s gifts are valuable, and together, they form a complete body. Don’t compare your gifts to others—use yours to play your part in God’s mission.
6. Gifts Without Love Are Empty
Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 13 that love is the essential context in which all spiritual gifts must operate. Without love, even the most powerful gifts are meaningless. Love should be the motivation behind all that we do with our gifts.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:2 — "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, but do not have love, I am nothing."
Practical Application: When exercising your gifts, make sure love is at the heart of your actions. Be patient, kind, and selfless. Let love guide how you use your gifts, so that they bring glory to God and build up others.
7. Gifts Are Not Indicators of Holiness or Salvation
Spiritual gifts are not a sign of a person’s spiritual maturity or holiness. They are given by God to serve others, not as a measure of one’s closeness to God. The fruit of the Spirit is what truly shows evidence of spiritual growth.
John Calvin — "The gifts of the Spirit are distributed without regard to merit; the fruit of the Spirit belongs to sanctification."
Practical Application: Don’t confuse the possession of spiritual gifts with spiritual maturity. Focus on cultivating the fruit of the Spirit in your life, as this is the true evidence of your relationship with God.
8. All Believers Have Gifts
Every believer has at least one spiritual gift, and no one is without the ability to contribute to the work of the Church. These gifts are given to edify and strengthen the body of Christ.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:7 — "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
Practical Application: Don’t believe the lie that you don’t have anything to offer. God has gifted you, and your gift is valuable. Pray and ask God to show you what your gift is, and then use it to serve others.
9. Gifts Must Be Exercised
Spiritual gifts must be actively used and developed. Paul encourages believers to "fan into flame" the gifts that God has given them. A gift that is not used can become stagnant or even wasted.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:6 — "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you."
Practical Application: Take active steps to develop and exercise your spiritual gifts. Whether that’s through serving in your church, volunteering in your community, or using your gift in your daily life, make sure to use what God has given you to benefit others.
10. Gifts Are for Today
The gifts of the Spirit are not something of the past; they are for today. While some traditions may hold cessationist views, many Christian traditions affirm that the gifts continue to be available to believers today for the work of ministry.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 — "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them."
Practical Application: Seek to be open to the gifts of the Spirit in your life. Ask God to empower you with the gifts that are needed for His work and be ready to step out in faith when He calls you to use them.
Practical Daily Applications of the Gifts of the Spirit
Seek the Gifts in Prayer: Ask God to reveal to you what spiritual gifts He has given you, and how He wants you to use them in service to others. Spend time in prayer, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture: Luke 11:13 — "How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"
Use Your Gifts in Service: Look for ways to serve others with your gifts. This could mean teaching a Bible study, encouraging a friend, or offering practical help to those in need.
Scripture: Romans 12:6 — "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith."
Work in Unity with Others: Remember that no one has all the gifts, and the Church functions best when everyone uses their unique gifts together. Celebrate the diversity of gifts in the body of Christ and work in unity to fulfill God’s mission.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12 — "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ."
By using your spiritual gifts in love and humility, you help build up the body of Christ and further God’s kingdom. Each believer has a role to play, and as you discover and develop your gifts, you become a part of God's plan to make His presence known in the world.
Scripture References:
1 Corinthians 12:4–11 (NIV)
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.
8 To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
Romans 12:6–8 (NIV)
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Ephesians 4:11–13 (NIV)
11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.