Q: #536. What are the "spiritual gifts" mentioned in the Bible, and how do you find your gifts?
A: God has given each believer spiritual gifts that can be used to edify others and the church, as well as to glorify God. All gifts are valuable. It is important to know what gift or gifts you have so that you can fulfill the call that God has placed on your life. Most people have several gifts, and they often seem to match up: i.e. (pastor – teacher) (hospitality -mercy) (wisdom – administration). It is a true blessing when you see God operating in you, using your gifts for His honor and glory and the furthering of His kingdom.
How do you find them?
The first step is prayer. Ask God to reveal your gifts, maybe fasting if you are having trouble finding them. Surrender your will to God and let Him lead you.
After you have prayed, step out in some areas that you feel God is leading you to serve in. It will become apparent pretty quickly if you are operating in the areas in which you are gifted. You should be making an impact in people’s lives in some way. Often, people will tell you something you did that made a difference in them. Ask people what they feel is your area of giftedness. Many times they will see it when you don’t. It is important that you do not try and imitate someone you respect and see operating in a gift that is making a difference. It is an easy trap to fall into, and can keep you from finding your gift.
Finally, make sure that you use your gifts for the glory of God and not to build yourself up. It is easy to become proud when you are being used by God and seeing great things happening, and God HATES pride.
The following is a list of where to find the gifts in the Bible.
*** Note: There is some disagreement between denominations and people on what gifts there are, and whether they are still for today.
Discernment (1 Cor 12:10)
Evangelist (Eph 4:11)
Prophet (Rom 12:6)(1 Cor 12:10,28)(1 Cor 13:2)(2 Pet 1:19-21)
Administration (1 Cor 12:8)
Wisdom (1 Cor 12:8)
Teacher (Rom 12:7)(1 Cor 12:28-29)
Knowledge (1 Cor 12:8)
Exhortation (Rom 12:8)
Leadership (Rom 12:8)
Apostle (Eph 4:11)
Mercy (Rom 12:8)
Tongues (1 Cor 12:10)(1 Cor 12:28-30)(1 Cor 13:1)(1 Cor 14:1-33)
Interpretation (1 Cor 12:10)
Miracles (1 Cor 12:10)(1 Cor 12:28-30)
Hospitality (1 Pet 4:9)
Helps (Rom 12:7)(1 Cor 12:28)
Giving (Rom 12:8)
Healing (1 Cor 12:9)(1 Cor 12:30)
Pastor (Eph 4:11)
Faith (1 Cor 12:9)
At least two others I believe should be on this list are the gifts of music and prayer intercession.
Two websites that might help point you in the right direction in finding your gifts are:
buildingchurch.net Spiritual Gifts Inventory
Lifeway Spiritual Gifts Survey (click on the “Spiritual Gifts Survey” which will open a printable test in a pdf file)
May the Lord guide and bless you as you seek and use your gifts for His glory!
