Manifest God’s Gifts Through Love
Paul taught many principles to help believers grow spiritually and learn how to operate in the power of God so the church would be edified, and this includes gifts of the Spirit. “Grace was given to each one according to Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7). “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). Spiritual gifts are not given for personal benefit alone, but to build up the body of Christ so believers may be strengthened and encouraged. (Romans 1:11–12)
A talent is not a spiritual gift:
Many unbelievers can play instruments, paint beautiful pictures, sculpt, master languages, speak effectively, or write well; however, these abilities are talents, not spiritual gifts. Talents involve natural skills, techniques, and methods present at birth or developed over time, while spiritual gifts involve Spirit-given ability. Often, spiritual gifts can be built on one’s natural foundation. The Holy Spirit may use a person’s natural abilities—such as writing, speaking, or vocal skill—in the exercise of God-given gifts in order to build up the body of Christ and strengthen the church.
Spiritual gifts are not offices in themselves:
For example, the gift of prophesy does not necessarily mean a person holds the office of prophet. Someone may have the gift of shepherding without being called to the office of pastor, or may have the gift of governance without holding the office of elder. In short, a believer will not hold a divinely appointed office without the corresponding gift, but many Christians may possess a gift without being appointed to an office.
Possessing a spiritual gift does not necessarily indicate a godly life:
However, it should be accompanied by godly character. God gives gifts, but having a gift does not always mean a person’s life is where it should be. A church may have many gifts present while still struggling with carnality, conflict, and disorder.
As you seek God’s will and gifts in your life, remember to keep the greatest principle from Paul in your heart: “Without love, gifts are nothing more than sounding brass or a clanging cymbal; they become profitless.” The fruit of the Spirit is therefore more important than the gifts. Spirit-given abilities are necessary, but Spirit-produced fruit is even more significant.
A talent is not a spiritual gift:
Many unbelievers can play instruments, paint beautiful pictures, sculpt, master languages, speak effectively, or write well; however, these abilities are talents, not spiritual gifts. Talents involve natural skills, techniques, and methods present at birth or developed over time, while spiritual gifts involve Spirit-given ability. Often, spiritual gifts can be built on one’s natural foundation. The Holy Spirit may use a person’s natural abilities—such as writing, speaking, or vocal skill—in the exercise of God-given gifts in order to build up the body of Christ and strengthen the church.
Spiritual gifts are not offices in themselves:
For example, the gift of prophesy does not necessarily mean a person holds the office of prophet. Someone may have the gift of shepherding without being called to the office of pastor, or may have the gift of governance without holding the office of elder. In short, a believer will not hold a divinely appointed office without the corresponding gift, but many Christians may possess a gift without being appointed to an office.
Possessing a spiritual gift does not necessarily indicate a godly life:
However, it should be accompanied by godly character. God gives gifts, but having a gift does not always mean a person’s life is where it should be. A church may have many gifts present while still struggling with carnality, conflict, and disorder.
As you seek God’s will and gifts in your life, remember to keep the greatest principle from Paul in your heart: “Without love, gifts are nothing more than sounding brass or a clanging cymbal; they become profitless.” The fruit of the Spirit is therefore more important than the gifts. Spirit-given abilities are necessary, but Spirit-produced fruit is even more significant.