Spiritual Gifts – 1 Corinthians 12:1-4

Spiritual gifts are important for every believer to understand. Like the Corinthians, we may need clarification on what the Bible says about spiritual gifts so that we may view them biblically and use them effectively for the edification of the church.
Spiritual gifts are given freely and generously by the Holy Spirit to every believer. They are important because they are signs of an individual’s salvation. The Holy Spirit who saves you gives you spiritual gifts the moment you are in Christ. Therefore, when reflecting on spiritual gifts, the first question to ask yourself is, “Am I saved?” To be saved is to have a personal, loving relationship with Jesus Christ. If you are saved and love Jesus above all else, you must seek to know what your spiritual gift is.
Spiritual gifts are also important because they function for the health of the church. There is no gift that is not vital for the church body. When spiritual gifts are actively used, the church is healthy.

Having acknowledged the importance of spiritual gifts, why then do we fail to use them?When we consider spiritual gifts, we tend to think more about personal ability and skill. But the Greek word for “gift” refers to something that is given without price, rather than the common English definition that describes an impressive capability. As we erroneously focus more on our abilities, we are hindered to believe we may have a particular spiritual gift because we don’t see that ability within us.

How then can we know what our spiritual gifts are?
All those who have been saved have been called by God. Moreover, every believer is called into ministry. We are all evangelists; we are all ministers. Though we are weak, God enables us by His power to serve the church in the roles He assigns to every willing believer. As we desire to know and use our spiritual gifts to serve Jesus and His church, it is vital that we understand spiritual gifts are not about spiritual ability, but they are for spiritual roles and assignments. We must therefore pray and ask the Lord,Where do You want me to serve?

Every believer has been gifted generously by the Holy Spirit to serve the church. Everything we do can be a spiritual gift that edifies the church. Spiritual gifts are not about ability; they depend on your love for Jesus Christ and His church.