A brief overview of the gifts of the Spirit in the Bible
Anyone who is familiar with Christian beliefs is likely to have come across or heard someone talk about spiritual gifts. What we believe to be spiritual gifts are defined by Paul in 1 Corinthians:
God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions of power are in action everywhere; but God himself is behind it all. Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people!
The variety is wonderful: wise counsel, clear understanding, simple trust, healing the sick, miraculous acts, proclamation, distinguishing between spirits, tongues [and] interpretation of tongues.
— 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (MSG)
There are many gifts of the Spirit in the Bible, and some people can have more than one. Join us as we briefly break down each of these gifts so you can reflect on how each might apply to you and grow in them.
The gifts of the Spirit in the Bible
Wise counsel — This gift is one of knowledge from the Holy Spirit that provides insight into situations that you might not have known otherwise by your own volition.
Clear understanding — This is the gift of wisdom. With clear understanding, you are blessed in being able to see how to God would want you to act in a situation.
Simple trust — Also known as the gift of faith, simple trust is a gift that blesses people with a simple faith in God and goodness.
Healing the sick — This gift refers to one who has an ability to help make others well again. It’s debated as to whether this refers to miraculous types of healing or to those gifted in the medical field.
Miraculous acts — This gift is one of the hardest for people to believe, but Jesus tells His followers that they will perform great miracles. Those with this gift need to be open to the possibilities that the Holy Spirit might use you for something beyond your understanding or capabilities.
Proclamation — This is the gift of receiving a word or message from the Lord to share with someone else.
Distinguishing between spirits — This gift is that of the ability to identify the presence of good and evil spirits.
Tongues — This is another gift that is up for debate. Some believe it is a blessing for the ability to easily learn another language. Others believe it is a gift of a secret, personal language with which you can communicate with God.
Interpretation of tongues — This gift ties in with the gift of tongues. It is either the ability to understand another language with ease or to be able to interpret the secret language of one speaking in tongues.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
Are you wondering what your gift of the Spirit according to the Bible might be? One of the best ways to learn about your gifts is to hear what others see in you. At Centerpoint Church in the Tampa, Florida, area, we would love to join you in your journey as you discover your spiritual gifts and deepen your relationship with the Lord.