What is a spiritual gift?
Here's the answer:
A spiritual gift is a special skill the Holy Spirit gives to all those who have put their trust in Jesus.
A spiritual gift is different from a talent, which is something people are born with (for example, some people might be good at playing a musical instrument, while other people have a talent for sports). What makes the difference is that a spiritual gift should be used to serve or teach God's people.
Some of the spiritual gifts listed in the Bible are teaching, wisdom, service, encouragement, giving, and mercy (for a full list, see Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11; and 1 Corinthians 12:28). The Holy Spirit chooses a spiritual gift for each person who believes in Jesus, and God has planned for each believer, including children, to use their spiritual gifts for His glory.
For example, some people are gifted to do work in the church office (this could be the gift of service). Or they like to share their money with the church, missionaries, or the poor and needy (this could be the gift of giving). People with the gift of mercy are busy helping others—maybe by visiting or taking meals to the sick.
If you want to find out what your spiritual gift is, talk to God about it. He wants you to know how you can serve His people, so He will give you the chance to discover your gift. He will often use your natural talents, but He might also gift you in an area you didn’t know you were good at! It might take some patience, but finding your spiritual gift is worth the time and effort.
Bible Truth
"God made us. He created us to belong to Christ Jesus. Now we can do good things. Long ago God prepared them for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).
"There are different kinds of gifts. But they are all given by the same Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:4).
"God’s gifts of grace come in many forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully" (1 Peter 4:10).
