Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual gifts are special abilities, talents, or capacities given to individual Christians by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of serving God and others within the Christian community. These gifts are not natural talents or skills but supernatural endowments provided by God's grace - gifts every believer is given when they receive the free gift of salvation through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Spiritual gifts are meant to be used to build up the body of Christ, which is the community of believers. 

In Christian tradition, doves represent the Holy Spirit, peace, purity, and spiritual renewal as seen in Jesus’ baptism and teachings. The early Church Fathers and Christian art depict doves emphasizing themes like gentleness, community, and divine presence.

Fruits of the Spirit

Discernment

Distinguishing between different spirits, discerning whether they are of God, human, or evil origin. In the simplest terms, discernment is wisdom. The dictionary defines discernment as, “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure; skill in discerning; an act of perceiving or discerning something.” In the Christian faith, it is a similar concept, but it is bestowed by the Holy Spirit, and many denominations believe it can allow someone to know whether a demonic of heavenly influence is over a person, place, or event. It is also a gift that can be requested, used, or ignored.

The spiritual gift of discernment, often referred to as the "gift of discerning spirits," is a unique ability bestowed by the Holy Spirit to recognize and understand the true nature of situations, people, or teachings. This gift allows believers to perceive spiritual truths and identify deceptive influences, whether they stem from false teachings, demonic spirits, or misleading philosophies. 

 

Faith

A supernatural ability to trust God and His promises in extraordinary circumstances. The spiritual gift of faith is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to certain individuals within the church, allowing them to demonstrate confidence and trust in God’s promises and His ability to work beyond human limitations, even in challenging circumstances. This gift is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, where it is noted that not all believers possess this specific gift, but all have been given saving faith. Those with this gift often exhibit a strong conviction in God's power and promises, enabling them to act on His word with unwavering confidence.

Healing/Miracles

Praying for and witnessing physical, emotional, or spiritual healing in others through divine intervention. The ability to perform extraordinary signs and wonders, demonstrating God's power. It is a supernatural ability granted to certain believers to perform acts that defy natural laws, pointing to the sovereign authority of God. This gift is distinct but often works in conjunction with other spiritual gifts like healing, prophecy, and faith.

Prophecy

The gift of speaking forth God's messages, often focused on edification, exhortation, and comfort. Speaking forth God's messages, including words of edification, exhortation, and comfort. The spiritual gift of prophecy is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to individuals within the church, enabling them to receive and communicate messages from God. This gift is primarily intended for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the church (1 Corinthians 14:3). Prophets act as spokespeople for God, delivering His Word through direct revelation, which is considered binding and true. The gift is mentioned in the Bible, specifically in 1 Corinthians 12:10 and Romans 12:6, where it is described as the ability to declare the divine will and interpret God's purposes. Overall, the gift of prophecy serves to encourage and strengthen the faith of believers. 

Speaking in Tongues

The ability to speak in unknown languages as a form of prayer or communication with God. The gift of interpreting messages spoken in tongues, making them understandable to others. The spiritual gift of tongues refers to the supernatural ability to speak in languages that the speaker has not learned. This gift, also known as glossolalia, is mentioned in the New Testament and is often associated with the Holy Spirit's presence in a believer's life. It is seen as a divine reward and signifies a special relationship with God, allowing individuals to communicate in a unique way. The term "tongues" is derived from the Greek word "glossa," which means "languages," emphasizing its linguistic nature. 

Encouragement

The gift of encouraging and motivating others toward spiritual growth and maturity. The gift of encouragement or exhortation differs from the gift of teaching in that exhortation focuses on the practical application of the Bible. Whereas one with the gift of teaching focuses on the meaning and content of the Word, one with the gift of encouragement focuses on the practical application of the Word. He or she can relate to others, in groups and individually, with understanding, sympathy, and positive guidance. Teaching says, “This is the way you should go”; encouragement says, “I will help you go that way.” A person with the gift of encouragement can help another person move from pessimism to optimism.

Leading 

The gift of providing leadership, organization, and guidance within the church. The ability to communicate and explain God's truth effectively to others. The spiritual gift of leadership is a unique ability given by the Holy Spirit to individuals, particularly within the church. This gift enables leaders to guide, motivate, and influence others towards a shared vision or objective. It is a divine enablement to cast vision, motivate, and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purposes of God. Leaders with this gift are expected to be humble, gracious, courteous, kind, and filled with love, yet at times firm. They respect and appreciate those who take their leadership and accomplish goals. The spiritual gift of leadership is not limited to formal positions of authority but encompasses the way one influences and directs others towards ethical and spiritual growth. 

Wisdom and Teaching

A deep understanding of God's truth and the ability to apply it practically to life situations. Special insight and knowledge of God's Word and His will. The spiritual gift of wisdom is the ability to know the mind of the Holy Spirit, allowing one to apply knowledge to specific needs within the body of Christ. This gift enables individuals to discern solutions for personal or community needs and to make spiritual truths relevant and practical in decision-making. Wisdom is closely tied to the fear of the Lord and involves a deep understanding and reverence for God's ways. The spiritual gift of teaching involves the ability to clearly explain and communicate biblical truths, equipping believers for spiritual growth and effective Christian living. This gift requires a high level of dedication to study and a deep understanding of Scripture, as the teacher's role is to communicate biblical truths with accuracy and authority. Teaching is vital for the building up of the church, as it equips believers to live out their faith more fully. Both gifts are essential for the church's growth and maturity, and they require commitment, sacrifice, and personal investment to develop and exercise.

Evangelism

The spiritual gift of evangelism is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to individuals, enabling them to effectively share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Those with this gift possess a passionate desire to lead people to faith and often engage in one-on-one or small group settings to build relationships and invite others to make a decision for Christ. The Bible references this gift in Ephesians 4:11, highlighting its importance within the church. Overall, evangelism is characterized by a heartfelt commitment to proclaiming the good news and helping others develop a relationship with Jesus. The spiritual gift of evangelism is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to individuals, enabling them to effectively share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Those with this gift possess a passionate desire to lead people to faith and often engage in one-on-one or small group settings to build relationships and invite others to make a decision for Christ. The Bible references this gift in Ephesians 4:11, highlighting its importance within the church. Overall, evangelism is characterized by a heartfelt commitment to proclaiming the good news and helping others develop a relationship with Jesus. 

Serving/Giving

The capacity to serve others selflessly and meet practical needs within the church. The ability to give generously and cheerfully, often contributing resources for the benefit of the church and those in need. The spiritual gift of service and giving is a special ability given by the Holy Spirit to individuals within the church. Those with this gift have a strong desire and capacity to meet practical needs and assist others with a servant’s heart. They joyfully and selflessly engage in acts of kindness and support for the well-being of others. They actively seek opportunities to serve and are content behind the scenes, finding fulfillment in meeting the practical needs of the church and community.4 The gift of service is often described as the ability to serve joyfully and faithfully behind the scenes, assisting in the accomplishment or completion of a particular task associated with a ministry. It is a gift that creates an atmosphere of love and care, where needs are met, and burdens are lightened. The gift of giving is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the body of Christ to contribute their material resources (money, time, talents) to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness. It is the supernatural ability where Jesus channels through you the meeting of the needs of the believers, whether individual, or together as a group. Both gifts are integral to the development of the church and the individual believer, serving as a profound expression of God's grace, enabling believers to participate in His work and reflect the character of Christ.

Mercy & Compassion

The gift of showing compassion, empathy, and kindness to those who are suffering or in distress. The spiritual gift of mercy and compassion is a unique grace given by the Holy Spirit, enabling certain Christians to experience deep empathy and compassion for those who are suffering—whether physically, mentally, or emotionally. This gift goes beyond a general sense of sympathy, intensifying the person’s emotional connection to the suffering of others and their desire to show mercy and care to those in need. It is not merely an emotional response but a deeper, more spiritual motivation to act in a way that brings comfort, healing, and hope to those in need. 

Administration

The spiritual gift of administration is a divine ability given by God to some individuals to plan, organize, and supervise the activities of the church or ministry effectively. This gift enables believers to steer the body of Christ toward accomplishing God-given goals and directives. It is mentioned in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Romans 12:8, where it is associated with guiding and directing the ministry of believers. Essentially, this gift allows the church to function properly and fulfill its mission. The spiritual gift of administration is a valuable asset to the church. God wants each of His children to discover and develop the gifts He has given us. As we engage in ministries that utilize those gifts, we are bringing honor and credit to the Lord who gave them (Romans 12:3–8).

Praying for Gifts of the Spirit

"The Holy spirit puts ideas into the heart of the believer."

~ Sunday Adelaja