God is the almighty , all knowing and a giver of gifts. He never withholds good gifts from his children. Spiritual gift is an inheritance God gives us after we are born again. There are different spiritual gifts, and they function in different capacities. Spiritual gift is also referred to as gifts of the spirit.

For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

Romans 1:11-12

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What are the Gifts of the Spirit (spiritual gifts)?

Spiritual gifts are divine enablement given by the Holy Spirit to help us manifest his power more. We receive spiritual gifts the moment we are born again. God gives us gift(s) of the Spirit to make our spiritual walk easy and beneficial to others. 

Purpose of Spiritual Gifts in the Bible

The purpose of spiritual gifts according to the bible are:

• Edification
• Service 
• Building the church
• Revealing the works of the flesh
• Sign to unbelievers
• Comfort the church
• Encouraging the church

Lists of gift of the Spirit

There are many spiritual gifts, and I believe there more gift than those the bible stated because the world has evolved, and there are many more roles in the church. The gifts of the Spirit is divided into three categories:

• Motivational gifts
• Ministry gifts
• Manifestation gift

Ministry Gifts of the Spirit

Ministry gifts are gifts used to propagate the ministry. They are for building up of the church , and making the church stand firm and strong. Christ loves his church, and he never wants the church to be weakened. Gifts of the Holy Spirit are beneficial to help the people of God do the work of the ministry effectively.

The ministry gifts referred to as the fivefold ministry gifts which Apostle Paul mentioned while speaking to the Ephesians church; each of these gifts has their place in the church. These gifts are:

• Apostles 

Apostles are forerunners of the gospel. They take the gospel to even the most obscure places on earth. Apostles governs and direct the administration of the church. They usually plant churches and oversee the administration of the church. Apostles are anointed and appointed by God.

• Prophets

The ministry of the prophet is to guide the church. He sees and hears from God under the leading of the Holy Spirit. Prophets are God’s eyes and ears in the church.

• Evangelist

Evangelists are passionate about sharing the gospel. Evangelists tell the good news of Christ without fear. The ministry of the evangelist is to gather flock for the pastor to tend. Evangelists don’t usually stay in a location for too long. They go around preaching the good news. Signs and wonders follow the ministry of the evangelist.

• Pastors

Pastors are often referred to as the shepherd. They have love for the sheep and they are committed to dedicating their time to tending the sheep. The ministry of pastor is characterised by their ability to feed, protect, care and encourage the flock to reach maturity.

• Teacher

Teaching ministry is a unique ministry. Teachers explain the deep truths of the word. Teachers have the ability to breakdown complex issues in the bible in a way everyone can understand. The teaching ministry is responsible for illuminating the word of God.

Motivational gifts of the Spirit

Motivational gifts are gifts given to us as believers’ to change our thoughts, actions and how we relate with others. These gifts are very useful is helping the church grow. We usually use these gifts in different department of the church.(Romans12:3-8)

• Perceiving

Perceiving is a gift of the Spirit where the individual can perceive actions, events, moods or foresee. This gift is like having a sixth sense that senses what others do not.

• Serving

Have you met someone who is always willing to serve others? People with this gift find happiness in serving and helping other people. 

• Teaching

Teachers can be great writers but not entertaining speakers. They find it easy and comforting to explain and clear confusions.

• Encouraging

The gift of encouraging is evident in people who are always willing to give counsel. They are ready to encourage others and cheer them on.

• Giving

Giving is indeed a gift. I used to know a friend who gives without fail. She finds joy in giving and making people happy.

• Administration

The gift of administration is evident in people who are not afraid of leadership roles. They find it easy to make decisions and direct the helms of affairs. People gifted with the gift of administration may find it easy to go into politics and make a change. 

• Mercy

Mercy is a gift that is extraordinary. A show of forgiveness and love is mercy.

Motivational gifts are usually evident in our daily lives. Our personality and opinions are subject to these gifts.

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Manifestation gifts of the Spirit

Manifestation gifts are gifts given to us by God to demonstrate his power. These gifts show the power of the Holy Spirit and his works. The good thing about these gifts is; it is useful for both believers and unbelievers. Manifestation gift is divided into three categories :

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy.

He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11

Revelation Gifts

Word of wisdom

The word of wisdom is to give counsel that is needed at a particular time. God is has all wisdom in his domain and he knows the right approach to any situation. Word of wisdom helps to solve problems, give direction, express the mind of God and overturn the counsel of the enemy.

Word of wisdom can come through prophecy, audible voice, scriptures, meditation, etc. 

Bible characters with word of wisdom

• Jethro

Jethro was Moses’ father-in-law who gave him the counsel to appoint men who will help him to oversee the affairs of Israel (Exodus 18:21-22)

• Stephen

The bible recorded that Stephen was a man full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Stephen spoke words of wisdom before he was stoned to death (Acts of Apostles 4 verse 10 )

Word of knowledge

The word of knowledge is a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit which reveals past, present and future events. God knows all things, and he reveals his thoughts to us (are for us and our children…). People with this gift often have spiritual insights; they speak things that the normal human mind doesn’t know.

Word of knowledge can come through an audible voice, visions or dreams. The purpose of word of knowledge in the church is: enlighten the church and reveal the works of the flesh.

Bible Characters with Gift of Word of Knowledge

• Daniel

Daniel revealed the dream of Nebuchadnezzar through word of knowledge. He wasn’t present when the king had the dream but with the inspiration of God, he revealed the dream. (Daniel chapter 2)

• Peter

Peter revealed the intention of Ananias and Sapphira by word of knowledge. He was able to know their intentions by the spirit of God. (Acts 5: 1-11)

Discerning of spirit

The gift of discerning of the Spirit is a must have in the end times. Discern means to see and recognise differences I the spiritual realm. The devil comes with all forms of confusion and by the discerning Spirit; one is able to tell the voice of God from the voice of the devil.

Power gifts

Power gifts of the spirit are gifts that show the power of God physically in a way man can see, understand and relate with. The power gifts are important in the church as they demonstrate the power of God. These gifts are for the purpose of edification of the church, living a victorious life and for humanity.

Gift of Great faith

Faith is the ability to believe the unseen as reality even when it doesn’t make sense to other people. Christianity is a religion built on faith in God. The gift of great faith is the ability to have faith when other believers do not. It produces mighty and great fruits. 

Bible characters with Great Faith

• Woman who came for healing

This woman came to Jesus for healing for her son. She was determined to receive the healing that day. Jesus acknowledged that he had never seen this type of faith in Israel. Her faith gave her son healing. (Matthew 15: 21 -28)

• Meshach, Abednego and Shedrach

This trio had faith in God that he would deliver them. They had assurance in God they were rewarded for their faith. (Daniel 3:16-28) 

Gifts of healing

Every believer has the ability to heal. The gifts of healing is evident in people whose presence always heals the sick (physically, emotionally and spiritually). Many times, unbelievers benefit from this gift and they willingly give their lives to Christ. 

Bible characters with Gifts of healing

• Jesus

Jesus is our perfect example. The bible recorded the Jesus healed the sick everywhere he went. 

Gift of Working of miracles

Miracles are events that defies the natural or scientific laws. Miracles are exciting, and it boosts our faith in God. The bible recalls many miracles. The gift of miracles is often a sign to the unbelievers to draw them to the kingdom of God.

Bible characters with gift of miracles

• Peter

The bible recorded that peter performed diverse miracles. This git was evident in his life, and his shadow healed the sick.

• Elisha

Elisha performed lots of miracles. He even reversed the law of nature by allowing iron to float instead of wood. The bones of Elisha also performed miracles.

Inspirational gift

Diverse kinds of tongue

There are different types of tongue: heavenly tongue and earthly tongue. This gift can manifest in any of the two ways. Speaking in unknown tongues is essential for every believer. The gift of diverse kinds of tongue was evident in the first church; were the disciples were in the upper room. The bible recorded that the disciples were speaking languages they didn’t learn. 

Interpretation of tongues

The spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues is the ability to interpret unknown tongues. This gift is not interpreting of the languages of man but the heavenly language. I have seen this gift operate a number of times. Interpretation of tongues bring divine insight and direction.

Gift of Prophecy

The gift of prophecy is declaring a word under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy is a supernatural ability to speak of things to come. Prophesying is speaking as a mouthpiece or agent of God. Prophecy is to glorify and exalt the name of the Lord.

Bible characters with gift of prophecy

• Isaiah

Isaiah was a prophet who spoke about the coming of Jesus and his death years before Jesus was born. 

• Jesus

Jesus was a prophet who prophesied about the end time events happening now. (Matthew 28)

Which of the Spiritual Gift is more important?

When I think about the spiritual gifts, I don’t think one is more important than the other. Every gift has a place in the body of Christ. 

Gift of the Spirit Test

Often times we are confused and cannot determine what are gift(s) are. There are many ways to determine what our spiritual gifts are. I believe if you follow these methods you will discover your spiritual gift.

• Prayer
• Ask friends and family
• Discover your strengths
• Take an online gift of the Spirit test from these sites (Gifts Tests, Spiritual Gifts Tests)

Final Thoughts

Every believer has a spiritual gift. Remember the story of the talents in the bible; everyone received talents according to his own ability. We are also permitted to covet some gifts and if our intentions are pure; God will not withhold his gifts from us.

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