Spiritual Gifts: What Are They and Are You Using Yours?

Are you familiar with Spiritual gifts? Please don’t freak out; Spiritual gifts are a blessing to EVERY Christian. They’re not something to be afraid of, but something we should embrace. I was surprised the first time I read about them. However, as I grew stronger in my walk with God, I began trying to identify what my Spiritual gifts were.

The first mention of Spiritual gifts that I remember reading is found in Romans 12. But I want to include some of the previous verses in that chapter, because they tie Paul’s points together. Take a look.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. We have different gifts, according to the grace give to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously, if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one anotherabout yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:1-2,6-12. Emphasis added.)

Identifying Your Spiritual Gifts

Did you happen to notice what the Spiritual gifts are? Did anything jump out at you? Take some time to really think about it and ask God to confirm and/or reveal to you what your Spiritual gift or gifts are. I’m not going to mention what I believe mine is, because this post is about helping you. Are you aware of what your Spiritual gifts are? Are you honoring God by putting them to good use whenever the opportunity arises? Read thoroughly over that passage in Romans 12 and meditate on those God-inspired words of the Apostle Paul. See what speaks to you.

God sometimes blesses you with a Spiritual gift that you enjoy putting to good use. Think about this: you don’t have to be a teacher to teach. I’m sure your children learned something from you. What about a sibling or friend? Co-worker maybe? What about service? Has anyone referred to you as having a servant’s heart? Do you enjoy serving others? Not like a slave, but do you feel great joy in doing things for others without expecting anything in return? Just a few questions to kickstart your thinking. Here is another tremendous passage about Spiritual gifts.

Implementing Your Spiritual Gifts

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are diferent kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. (1 Corinthians 12: 4-7. NLT. Emphasis added.)

 

So we can help each other. That's what this is all about—helping one another using the blessings that God bestows on us. Share on X.

Wow! Did you catch that last verse of Scripture? That is why it is so essential for each one of us to identify and then implement these gifts from God. I remember years ago, before I recommitted my life to Christ, that He was preparing me to use His gifts for His glory and to help my sisters and brothers in Christ. Little did I know all those years ago that God was priming the pump for everything he has in store for me in applying my Spiritual gifts for His glory.

Nourishing Your Fruit

I talk about the fruit of the Holy Spirit whenever I can, because for me it was an eye-opener! Several years ago, I came to realize the need to not only be aware of what the fruit of the Spirit is, but to nourish those fruits in my life. The list of fruit is found in Galatians 5. A passage I’ve tried to commit to memory.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy. peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23. NLT version.

I chose the word “nourish” to start this section because it is easy to make it uncomfortable for the Holy Spirit to produce these beautiful fruits if we are not careful. Having a heart of unforgiveness, jealousy, resentment, anxiety, and anger is not a way to nourish the fruits of the Spirit. In fact, we may even grieve Him. In those situations, evidence of the fruit of the Spirit is hard to decipher, maybe even unseen. Living in this manner hurts us in sharing and blessing others with our God-given Spiritual gifts.

But God showers us with His grace, and when we confess our sins and repent(change course), those fruits of the Spirit begin to blossom in our lives! So search your heart and ask God to reveal anything that is not nourishing the fruits of the Spirit. He will answer that prayer, and then you can once again begin to use your Spiritual gifts to be a blessing to those around you. Have you figured out yours yet? Godspeed as you seek to help others with your God-honoring Spiritual gifts.

 

In Christ,

Horace

 

By the way, have you read and reviewed Horace’s beautiful full-color book, The Amazing God? The Kindle version is at its lowest price of the Summer! Here is what a Reviewer had to share about it. Check this out!

“This book serves as a great reminder of who God is and how, when we truly follow Him, we can live a fulfilling and joyful life. The author uses several personal testimonies to show how God’s power has been present in his life, strengthening his trust and faith in God. The book itself was a quick read, but it raises questions that prompt readers to examine their own lives and ask whether they have been fully committed to following this Amazing God. Definitely an inspiring read. Five stars!