The Gifts of the Spirit

The gifts of the Spirit are God-given abilities for building up the church and serving others. In 1 Corinthians 12:7 Paul writes, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." These gifts are diverse in function but one in origin, for it is the same Spirit who distributes them to each one as he determines (1 Corinthians 12:11). Romans 12:6-8 lists several of these gifts—prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy—while 1 Corinthians 12 presents others still. No believer is left without one: each receives a gift intended not for personal glory but for the good of all. The apostle Peter reminds us, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10). The use of these gifts must always be governed by love, for without love they are nothing (1 Corinthians 13). The gifts reflect the generosity of God and the harmonious diversity of the body of Christ, in which every member is necessary. These verses encourage the believer to discover, value, and exercise spiritual gifts with humility and love, for the common good and for the glory of God.