Spiritual gifts are special abilities given to each believer in Christ by the Holy Spirit for the service of the church and society. These gifts make our ministry more effective and can be utilized for the establishment of God's Kingdom on earth. But how can we discover and use these gifts?
Before beginning to search for your spiritual gifts, it's important to know what they are. Spiritual gifts are not just talents, but a divine gift that is expressed through us. The Bible states in
Romans 12:6-8Here we see that there are various gifts, and each of us receives our own.“Having different gifts, according to the grace given to us, if it is prophecy, let him prophesy according to the faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is to lead, let him do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”
Discovering your gifts can be a challenging process. First and foremost, pray about it. Ask God to reveal your gifts to you and give you opportunities to use them. Pay attention to what you excel at most and where you feel most focused on God.
Also consider taking special tests or surveys to uncover your gifts. These can be resources offered by churches or Christian organizations.
Once you have discovered your spiritual gifts, start using them. This might be within the church, in the community, or while serving others. The Bible encourages us to use our gifts to serve one another:
1 Peter 4:10Don’t be afraid to put yourself in new situations, as this is often where your gift can manifest.“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
It’s important to remember that we do not serve on our own. We are part of the church, and our gifts work together. Strive for unity and collaboration with other members of your church. This will help expand the impact of your gifts and bring greater benefit to those around you.
Spiritual gifts can change over time. Remember to continually seek improvement and new opportunities for service. Pray, read the Bible, and develop your gifts daily to serve God and people.
Finally, resolve to be ready to serve where there is a need. Look at the people around you and ask yourself: “How can I help? What gifts can I use to be useful?” Even the smallest acts of service can have a tremendous impact.
So, be open to discovering and using your spiritual gifts. Your ministry can become a blessing for others and an important part of God’s plan on earth.