What Are These Gifts?
Devotional
READ: 1 Corinthians 12:8-11
As I wrote in Monday's devotional, spiritual gifts assessments can be very helpful. However, you also need godly people to tell you what they see in your life. I had no delusions about my leadership abilities until several people—mentors and godly friends—pushed me and told me they saw the leadership gift in me.
So, what exactly are spiritual gifts? First, let's discuss an important distinction between spiritual gifts and talents. Spiritual gifts are unique and endowed by the Holy Spirit. They are not natural talents or learned skills. They may improve or augment your skills and talents, but they are distinct. They are given to build up the Church, not for personal gain, fame, or acclaim, making each of us a unique and valued part of God's plan.
The New Testament provides a few lists of gifts. Still, scholars argue whether these are meant to be exhaustive, mainly because each list differs. Some examples of spiritual gifts include prophecy, teaching, serving, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy.
Sometimes, if you believe you have a gift, it's helpful to see how others have used that same gift and see if you can envision yourself doing the same.
Check the references below and meditate on the lists to see what resonates with you. Then, ask people close to you what gift(s) they see in your life. And most importantly, ask God to reveal His gift so that you can help build up His Church in love.
Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, 1 Corinthians 12:18, Ephesians 4:11
Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are always people to support you and God to guide you.
As I wrote in Monday's devotional, spiritual gifts assessments can be very helpful. However, you also need godly people to tell you what they see in your life. I had no delusions about my leadership abilities until several people—mentors and godly friends—pushed me and told me they saw the leadership gift in me.
So, what exactly are spiritual gifts? First, let's discuss an important distinction between spiritual gifts and talents. Spiritual gifts are unique and endowed by the Holy Spirit. They are not natural talents or learned skills. They may improve or augment your skills and talents, but they are distinct. They are given to build up the Church, not for personal gain, fame, or acclaim, making each of us a unique and valued part of God's plan.
The New Testament provides a few lists of gifts. Still, scholars argue whether these are meant to be exhaustive, mainly because each list differs. Some examples of spiritual gifts include prophecy, teaching, serving, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy.
Sometimes, if you believe you have a gift, it's helpful to see how others have used that same gift and see if you can envision yourself doing the same.
Check the references below and meditate on the lists to see what resonates with you. Then, ask people close to you what gift(s) they see in your life. And most importantly, ask God to reveal His gift so that you can help build up His Church in love.
Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, 1 Corinthians 12:18, Ephesians 4:11
Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are always people to support you and God to guide you.
Personal Reflection
Do you ever find yourself comparing your gifts to others? How can you combat this tendency and focus on using your unique gifts for God's glory? Reflect on your life experiences and personality.
Do you see any natural talents or inclinations that might be considered spiritual gifts according to 1 Corinthians 12:8-11? Start looking at the ministries within the local church or local missions to see if there's an area where your unique gifting can be helpful.
Do you see any natural talents or inclinations that might be considered spiritual gifts according to 1 Corinthians 12:8-11? Start looking at the ministries within the local church or local missions to see if there's an area where your unique gifting can be helpful.
Posted in UR Devotionals
4 Comments
For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10
Amen!
Thanks for sharing Nancy. I love your excitement to learn scripture and I am encouraged as I see God growing you in your walk with Him!
Amen!
I was thinking of this exact verse when I was reading this! Fun fact: my husband was in a group with Russell earlier this year, and this was one of their memory verses. I told my husband the next time I saw Russell, I was going to recite it. I didn't realize it would be the next morning. Less fun fact: I butchered it when I tried! But we had a good laugh. And now I know it well. :)
Amen!
Thanks for sharing Nancy. I love your excitement to learn scripture and I am encouraged as I see God growing you in your walk with Him!
Amen!