Exploring Your Spiritual Gifts
The Basics
There are many spiritual gifts found in Scripture! Read through this gift list and notice if any seem to describe you.
The Apostle Paul describes various spiritual gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Followers of Christ are encouraged to use their gifts individually as well as together, forming the "body of Christ" (1 Cor. 12:12-30). As Christ-followers live and work together out of their gifts, they are to do so with great love - a love that is described in 1 Cor. 13.
Other Scripture directives regarding spiritual gifts include:
- Each believer is given at least one gift. (1 Corinthians 12:7)
- The Holy Spirit determines who receives which gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:11)
- Each gift is equally valuable. (1 Corinthians 12:21-26)
- We are to use our gifts to serve others for the benefit of the body. (Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:12)
- We are commanded to use our gifts. (1 Peter 4:10)
- Exercising our gifts will help us develop spiritual maturity. (Ephesians 4:13)
How to Figure Out Your Gifts
Lifeway Resources offers a helpful overview as you consider your spiritual gifts.
They also offer a spiritual gifts survey to help you narrow down the gifts that are unique to you.
As with all surveys, use the above as just one tool in discerning your personal spiritual gifts. Check the results with close friends, family or a pastor to get their perspective. Most importantly, pray and ask the Lord to show you the next faithful steps in exploring and living out your gifts.
And remember: no matter who you are, what your personality type is, and what your gifts are, God says you are wonderfully made! (Check out Psalm 139:14-16.) You matter to the God Who has loved you unconditionally since before you were born. And you have a wonderfully unique and pivotal place in the life of the world!