Here are some things I have
discovered about spiritual gifts:
1 Every believer is given at least one
spiritual gift at the moment of
their salvation (I Cor. 12:7a).
2 Spiritual gifts are different than
talents or a human skills (e.g.
playing an instrument, mathematical/scientific aptitude, or athletic
prowess).
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Spiritual gifts are to be used to
help those in the Body of Christ,
His Church (I Cor. 12:7b).
Spiritual gifts are to be done out
of love for Christ and our fellow
brothers and sisters (I John 3).
God compels the believer to use
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his/her gift, through the leading of
the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 12:6, 11).
Because the gift is given by God,
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for the glory of Christ, implemented by the Holy Spirit, each gift
is valued and important (I Cor.
12:18-27).
How do you seek out the
discovery and use of your
spiritual gift?
1 Remember, spiritual gifts are
unique to members of the Body of
Christ, who have repented of their
sin and accepted Christ into their
hearts and lives (Rom. 10:8-10).
2 Take several spiritual gifts inventories.
3 Ask other godly, mature believers
your life. These should be people
in your life who understand things
of Scripture and know and have
had God verify their gifts through
actual experiences.
4 Research examples in Scripture
(Barnabas – encouragement;
Paul – knowledge and teaching;
Aquila and Pricilla - hospitality,
serving, teaching, etc.)
5 Gifts are unique to the recipient (a
list of spiritual gifts can be found
on page 8). Ask God where He
needs you to serve and be listening to others for those opportunities.
6 The Holy Spirit will compel you to
serve. He won't allow you to “sit
on the bench” long. He wants you
in the game! He has already given
you the ability, because it's His.
We are privileged to be His hands
and feet for His Church.
How do you continue to use your
grace gifts effectively?
1 Be in God's Word and continue to
ask Him to send you the opportunities that would be most effective in the Body.
2 Put on God's armor of Eph. 6:10-
17. Satan will try to keep you from
using your gift. Spiritual gifts are
not to be used in arrogance, lauding over one another, but in the
humility and love of Christ (Eph. 4,
I John 3). The purpose is to build
up the Body of Christ.
3 To every gift, there will be sea-
sons of discouragement from
Satan to hinder you. God's church
is under siege. Go to God boldly
to ask for His timing on how and
when to use your gift. Be proactive, not passive. For those who
have walked with Christ many
years, continue to be strengthened by your love for others.
Always be ready to show the gifts
of the Spirit. Though your bodies
begin to tire (2 Thess. 3:13), don't
use excuses on why you can't
serve anymore. Press forward to
the higher calling (Phil. 3:12-15a).
The young watch your example.
4 Find the joy, peace, and content-
ment of service. Loving the Body
is loving Christ. We are one body.
May You Discover Your Gift
My gift of discernment gives me a
heightened sense of right and wrong.
I can see how a person’s sinful actions
will bring them harm. God often
prompts me to speak to someone
who is struggling with sin to challenge
them to turn back to the Lord. James
5:19-20 encourages me as I strive to
use my gift in love, “My brothers and
sisters, if one of you should wander
from the truth and someone should
bring that person back, remember this:
Whoever turns a sinner from the error
of their way will save them from death
and cover over a multitude of sins.”
I pray that you would discover your
spiritual gift to spur others on to love
and good works.
if they see special giftedness in
By Cynthia Haas
Worship Pianist, Worship Ministry
Cynthia and her husband, Ron, have been members at Calvary for 15 years. She enjoys serving the congregation
as worship pianist.
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