Spiritual gifts are an extraordinarily important part of every believer's life. Each of us has received a gift from God to serve Him and others.
Firstly, to recognize their gifts, one needs to listen to the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.”
Often we can find hints about our gifts in our calling, interactions with others, and in personal motivations. It's essential to ask questions such as: what do I enjoy doing? Where do I find joy in serving? How can I help others?
Secondly, learn to listen to others. Often, when we are caught up in our own interests, we lose the ability to hear how others see the gifts of God in us. Feedback from believers in our community is a valuable way to discover gifts.
Proverbs 27:17“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
We must remember that gifts are not just for our own use, but also for serving our brothers and sisters in Christ. As it is written in
1 Peter 4:10“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
An integral part of using spiritual gifts is readiness and obedience. It is important to act, going beyond our physical limitations and fears. Reflect on whether you are willing to wholeheartedly implement your gifts in the life of your church.
It is also important to have an open heart for learning and growth.
Proverbs 1:5“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
Our spiritual gifts can be revealed through various ministries in the church – from preaching to social work. Therefore, it is vital to be active in church life and seek opportunities to practice these gifts.
Each of us has unique gifts that manifest in different ways. They may include gifts of spiritual leadership, teaching, healing, preaching, serving, wisdom, knowledge, or even gifts of mercy. All of these gifts are important for the church.
Remember that recognizing God’s gifts is just the first step. Moral and spiritual discipline to use them is essential for true maturity in faith. It is important to engage in prayer, reading the Bible, and attending services.
Thus, spiritual gifts are gifts of love that should be used to encourage others and serve our Savior. If we remain obedient and open to God's actions in our lives, our gifts will be a blessing to others.