Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Understanding and Usage
The holy gifts are special gifts from the Holy Spirit that God gives to every believer for the ministry and growth of the church. In his letter to the Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul explains that "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different ministries, but the same Lord; there are different abilities, but the same God who works all things in everyone." This important text lays the foundation for our understanding of the Holy Spirit's actions in our lives.
Each gift has its purpose and assignment. We must realize that these are not merely abilities or talents. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are supernatural abilities that God gives to His children so that they can serve not only one another but also the external world.
Let’s familiarize ourselves with some of the gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:
1 Corinthians 12:8-10The most common gifts are: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues."For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; to another faith, by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing, by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another the discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues."
Each of us receives gifts according to the will of the Holy Spirit, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:11:
1 Corinthians 12:11This means that we cannot choose which gift to receive, and there are no “better” or “worse” gifts. All gifts are important and necessary for the growth of the church and for serving one another."But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills."
But how can we use these gifts? First and foremost, we must seek the Lord in prayer and strive to understand what gifts He has given us. It is also important to be open to the diversity of gifts within the church. If each of us uses our gift, the church will grow.
The use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is not just a personal blessing. When we use our gifts, we bless others. We serve one another, strengthening the body of Christ. In such interaction, we become one body, with Christ as the head.
Let’s conclude: the gifts of the Holy Spirit are a tremendous privilege and responsibility. We must gratefully receive them and use them to strengthen the church and our ministry. May the Holy Spirit help us in understanding and utilizing the gifts He gives! Amen.
