Spiritual Gifts

Question: If I don’t have the gift of giving does that mean I don’t have to tithe?

Answer: Even though no one has all the gifts, all Christians are called upon in some limited capacity to utilize all the gifts. So, for example, when I am with someone who is hurting, though my gift might be to teach them, I must also exercise mercy, encouragement, faith, healing, serving and any host of other gifts. All Christians are to be leaders wherever they are, to be witnesses wherever they are, to teach their children and others, and to give to God’s purposes. In other words, even though the focus of my ministry to others will be in my gifting, I need to develop some ability in all the areas of gifting.

Question: How do I know when to start using my gift, especially when some areas of service require spiritual maturity?

Answer: Start using your gift with someone who is already mature in the faith and let them mentor and supervise you while you grow.

Question: How is a spiritual gift developed?

Answer: Paul tells Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God,” which suggests that there is a part we have to play in the development of the gifts or manifestations of the Spirit within us. This may seem contradictory in some ways, because if it is the manifestation of the Spirit, it should be complete. But we know from how He works spiritual growth in us that it is advantageous to us to play a role in developing our lives. One of the best ways to develop our gifts is to learn from those who have the same gifts and more experience than we do. Another avenue of development is practicing our gifts and letting God show us how to improve. And finally, practicing all the other essentials of discipleship will actually help us develop in this area as well.

Question: How do I know what my spiritual gift is?

Answer: The best way is to move toward ministries or service areas that you feel drawn to. Our gifts create in us motivations to do certain types of service. Broadly speaking, the gifts may be categorized in two large groupings, speaking gifts and serving gifts (1 Peter 4:11). Speaking gifts include such things as teaching, prophesying, and encouraging (and each of these can be done in a number of different formats, like singing, counseling, preaching, mentoring, etc.). Serving gifts include things like administrating, leading, showing mercy, healing, and simply serving with our talents (and each of these can be done in a number of different formats, like visiting the sick, organizing outreaches or services to those in need, hospitality, and any number of services tied to our skills and talents).

When you find success in the areas you attempt to serve, that is, people are helped and the kingdom of God is furthered, this is a good indicator that you are functioning in your gift. If you find yourself more stressed than excited, or people do not respond the way you hoped to your efforts, there is likely another area more in line with your gifting. Another factor to consider is the venue in which your gift is used. Some are given a large-scale venue in which God will use them, others a small-scale venue. Neither is better than the other, just a matter of where God wants to use you.

Sometimes spiritual gifts tests can give you an idea of where to start trying out your desire to serve. Here is a link to a spiritual gifts test.