The Bible teaches us that there are different kinds of spiritual gifts given by God for the building up of the Church. These gifts are not chosen by us they are given by the Holy Spirit according to His will.
In 1 Corinthians 12:4–12 (ESV), the Apostle Paul writes:
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom,and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,to another faith by the same Spirit,to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,to another the working of miracles,to another prophecy,to another the ability to distinguish between spirits,to another various kinds of tongues,to another the interpretation of tongues.All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills.”
Just like the human body has many parts that work together, so also the body of Christ is made up of many members, each with different gifts.
Gifts can generally be grouped into two categories:
A. Natural (Physical) Gifts
These are abilities people may be born with or develop over time. They include:
Though natural, these gifts can still bring glory to God when used rightly. However, they are not the same as spiritual gifts, which are given through the Holy Spirit after spiritual rebirth.
These are spiritual empowerments given to believers through the Holy Spirit. As 1 Corinthians 12 teaches, these may include:
These gifts are not for personal gain but for serving the body of Christ.
Yes. Just as someone may be born with a natural talent, people can be born with spiritual gifts. However, these gifts remain dormant or even misused if the person is not in Christ.
For example:
But when such a person repents and comes to Christ, gets baptized, and is filled with the Holy Spirit, the gift is sanctified and awakened for God’s glory.
As Jesus said:
“You must be born again.” John 3:7 (ESV)
Without spiritual rebirth, even God-given potential can be twisted or suppressed by the enemy.
Many people ask, “How can I know my spiritual gift?” They pray, fast, and wait for an answer but feel confused or hear nothing.
Let’s be clear: you don’t discover your spiritual gift by overanalyzing yourself or waiting for a voice from heaven. Most of the time, God reveals your gift through service and the confirmation of others.
Remember:
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 (ESV)
If you desire a certain gift simply because it’s popular or admired such as prophecy or singing be careful. Gifts are not self assigned. They are distributed by the Holy Spirit “as He wills.” (1 Cor. 12:11)
Here is a simple and biblical process:
Fully surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Believe in His death and resurrection. Be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38), and seek the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Without this step, the Holy Spirit will not dwell in you, and your spiritual gift will remain buried or misused.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
Others will start noticing your gift before you do. You might hear people say things like:
The Church acts like a mirror, helping you see what God has placed in you.
Many today desire spiritual gifts for the wrong reasons especially prophecy and music because they attract attention, influence, and income.
But Scripture warns us:
“He gave… apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11–12 (ESV)
Spiritual gifts are for building up the Church not building your brand. If your desire is to use a gift for wealth or popularity, that’s not the Spirit of God it’s a counterfeit.
Jesus also said:
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 (ESV)
You may not find your gift overnight. It could take months or even years. But as long as you walk faithfully with Christ, serve humbly, and remain connected to the Body, your gift will emerge.
Just remember:
Ask the Lord to purify your heart before He reveals your gift. Once He does, use it faithfully and for His glory alone.
Father, thank You for the unique gift You have placed in me. I surrender myself to You fully. Reveal my gift in Your perfect time, and help me to use it for the building up of Your Church and the glory of Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God bless you as you seek to walk faithfully in the calling He has placed on your life.
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Prisca Yohana, known by her artist name "binti wa Mungu" born 24th december, 2000 in Dar es salaam Tanzania. Gospel artist with a deep passion for worship and spreading the message of God’s love through music.
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