What Are The Gifts of The Holy Spirit and Why I Have Them?

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QUESTION:

WHAT ARE THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WHY I HAVE THEM?

ANSWER:

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are diverse and uniquely distributed among believers, all given for one divine purpose—to build up and strengthen the Body of Christ, His Church.

Introduction

When we became believers, something supernatural took place. The Holy Spirit baptized us into one body—a greater family that we now call the Church, the Body of Christ. In this family, we are no longer strangers. We are brothers and sisters in the Lord. And just like any healthy family, we are commanded to love one another, serve one another, and build each other up—“until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:13).

But here’s something crucial: we cannot do it alone.

In our walk as believers, we need each other. And because God knows this, the Holy Spirit equips each and every one of us with spiritual gifts. These are not random talents. These are intentional tools given by God to fulfill our individual parts in building up the Body of Christ.

Jesus is the foundation.
He is the head.
We are the body, each with a unique part to play.

Are you aware of your gifts? Let’s find out.

1. It Is by Grace Alone That We Are Able to Serve God

We don’t earn our spiritual gifts. We receive them purely because of God’s grace.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain…” — 1 Corinthians 15:10
“A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.” — John 3:27
“It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” — Philippians 2:13

These gifts were given to us not for our personal glory, but so that we may serve the Church. And just like in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30), if we bury our gift or neglect it, we might lose it. Do you know someone who once had an incredible gift, but they neglected it—and now it’s gone? It happens.

On the other hand, if you desire a gift—ask. Who knows? The Holy Spirit may give it to you, especially if you are faithful with what you already have. Remember, in the same parable, the master gave the one talent of the unfaithful servant to the one who had five and made it ten.

Still, we must understand that it is the prerogative of the Holy Spirit which gift He will give us. “One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” — 1 Corinthians 12:11

2. The Grace Given to Us Is Based on Christ’s Gifts

We must never forget—our gift is not our choice, it is God’s choice.

That means:

  1. Don’t compare your gift with others. God gave you something unique. Rejoice in that.

  2. Use your gift. Don’t let it sit unused. God did not give it to you to hide.

This writer can testify: over time, I discovered more gifts as I kept on asking God, serving in small things, and trying new roles in the Church. But here’s the warning—don’t pretend to have a gift you don’t actually have. That can be disastrous.

We’ve seen it happen—pastors who take the title but do not have the shepherd’s heart. Teachers who cannot communicate clearly. Singers who don’t really have the voice. The Body suffers when gifts are misused.

Let me tell you about my friend Willie. Assign him to teach, and he will decline—firmly and repeatedly. But give him a task in helps and ministry, and he will shine with joy and excellence. That’s his gift! And that’s what we must all do—honor the gifts of others, and stay faithful in our own calling.

3. What Are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

Scripture reveals different categories of spiritual gifts. Here are the major ones, with brief descriptions:

 

Manifestation Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7–11)

  • Word of Wisdom – insight for practical application of knowledge

  • Word of Knowledge – supernatural knowledge about facts or truths

  • Faith – extraordinary confidence in God’s power

  • Gifts of Healings – divine healing through prayer

  • Working of Miracles – supernatural acts beyond human ability

  • Prophecy – declaring God’s message with power

  • Discerning of Spirits – ability to distinguish spiritual sources

  • Different Kinds of Tongues – speaking in languages unknown to the speaker

  • Interpretation of Tongues – understanding and explaining those tongues

Motivational Gifts (Romans 12:6–8)

  • Prophecy – boldly speaking God’s truth

  • Ministry (Helps) – serving others faithfully

  • Teaching – explaining God’s Word clearly

  • Exhortation – encouraging and motivating believers

  • Giving – generous financial or material support

  • Leading – administration and direction

  • Mercy – showing compassion with joy

Ministry Gifts (Ephesians 4:11–13)

  • Apostles – pioneers and planters of churches

  • Prophets – mouthpieces of God’s timely messages

  • Evangelists – passionate proclaimers of the Gospel

  • Pastors – shepherds of local congregations

  • Teachers – instructors in doctrine and truth

“For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” — Ephesians 4:12

4. His Gifts to Me, My Gifts for Him

You’ve received a gift. Now what?

Will you use it? Will you bring it back to God—with increase?

“I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God with that which costs me nothing.” — 2 Samuel 24:24
“Present your bodies a living sacrifice…” — Romans 12:1
“Here am I! Send me.” — Isaiah 6:8

Your spiritual gifts were never meant to be hidden in your house or used only for yourself. They were meant to build the Church.

Let me remind you: the Church—your brothers and sisters in Christ—is under constant attack. We are surrounded by darkness, confusion, and spiritual warfare. That’s why we need each other. We need your gift.

And if you have stepped back from ministry, return. God’s calling is irrevocable (Romans 11:29). He can still use you. He wants to use you. Are you in?

Final Thought

Let us remember: “You don’t need to be a pastor to serve God—you just need to be yourself and use the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given you.”

You were gifted for a reason. The world needs the light God has placed in you. Are you using your gifts? Or are they lying dormant?

God has given you His gifts. What are you giving back?

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