What Are Spiritual Gifts? How to Discover and Use Yours

Some people think spiritual gifts are only for pastors or for the dramatic moments in church. The New Testament says something far more ordinary and far more exciting: every believer has been given something by the Holy Spirit, and the Church needs it.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

What spiritual gifts are

A spiritual gift is an ability given by the Holy Spirit to a believer for the good of others. Paul writes, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7). The Greek word often used, charisma, comes from charis — grace. Gifts are grace in action: undeserved, given freely, and meant to be passed on.

What spiritual gifts are not

Not a ranking. Paul compares the Church to a body: the eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you" (1 Corinthians 12:21).

Not proof of maturity. The Corinthian church was richly gifted and deeply immature. Character is measured by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

Not for personal status. Gifts are for serving others and glorifying God, not for building a platform.

Not a substitute for love. Without love, even the most impressive gift is "a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal" (1 Corinthians 13:1).

The main lists in the New Testament

Romans 12:6–8

Prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading and showing mercy.

1 Corinthians 12:8–10, 28

Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, tongues and interpretation, apostles, teachers, helping and guidance.

Ephesians 4:11–12

Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers — given "to equip his people for works of service."

1 Peter 4:10–11

Two broad families: speaking gifts and serving gifts, each to be used "so that in all things God may be praised."

These lists overlap and vary, which suggests they are examples rather than a complete catalogue. Christians hold different views on how some gifts, such as tongues and prophecy, operate today; what every tradition agrees on is that gifts are given by God, for others, and must be exercised in love and order (1 Corinthians 14:40).

The evangelist gift — and every believer's calling

Some are especially gifted as evangelists (Ephesians 4:11), but every Christian is called to be a witness (Acts 1:8). Gifted evangelists exist partly to equip the rest of us. Evangelism training

How to discover your spiritual gifts

Start serving

Gifts are usually discovered in action, not in a questionnaire. Say yes to a need in your church or outreach group and see what happens.

Notice what bears fruit

Where do people seem helped, encouraged or drawn to Jesus when you serve? That is often a clue.

Pay attention to joy and burden

God often aligns gifts with what stirs you — a burden for the lost, the poor, the young, or for teaching the Bible well. See How to Find Your Calling.

Ask others

Mature believers who know you can often see your gifts more clearly than you can.

Ask God

Paul encourages believers to "eagerly desire the greater gifts" (1 Corinthians 12:31). Pray for what will build others up.

Using your gifts in everyday mission

Gifts are not only for Sunday. A gift of hospitality can open a home to neighbours; mercy can lead an outreach to the overlooked; teaching can launch a Bible study; encouragement can strengthen a new believer; leadership can start an outreach group. When every member plays their part, the body "grows and builds itself up in love" (Ephesians 4:16).

Questions people ask

What are spiritual gifts?

Abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every Christian for the good of others and the building up of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 4:10).

Does every Christian have a spiritual gift?

Yes. The New Testament says the Spirit gives a gift 'to each one' (1 Corinthians 12:7) and tells each believer to use whatever gift they have received (1 Peter 4:10).

How many spiritual gifts are there?

The New Testament lists around twenty in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4 and 1 Peter 4. The lists vary, so many Christians see them as representative rather than exhaustive.

How do I find my spiritual gift?

Serve in different ways, notice where your service bears fruit and brings joy, ask mature believers what they see in you, and pray. Gifts are usually discovered in action.

What is the difference between spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit?

Gifts are abilities given for service and vary from person to person. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), such as love, joy and peace, is the character the Spirit grows in every believer.

Put your gifts to work

Outreach groups need hosts, encouragers, intercessors, teachers, servers and evangelists. Start one or join one. Start a group

Next steps

Start an outreach group · Who is the Holy Spirit?