“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—” Romans 1:11
Perhaps spiritual gifts are something you instinctively knew was something God gives. Perhaps it is something you would understand as not being earned. Or is it? Have you ever looked at other Christians who seem to be more victorious than you and thought God gave them better gifts than you? This post will hope to point out some of the spiritual gifts and perhaps also point out some of the ways that we can engage with them.
“Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.” 1 Timothy 4:14
This verse stands out to me as something very relatable. Have you ever given a gift that you just know the person has not made use of? I certainly have. This is basically what God is trying to get us not to do – don’t neglect the gift that is in you. Once you’ve received the gift from God, he wants you to make use of it.
“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:” 1 Corinthians 12:1
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:4
“to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,” 1 Corinthians 12:9
“Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” 1 Corinthians 14:1
“Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.” 1 Corinthians 14:12
The above verses let us know that there are varying spiritual gifts, so we don’t have to compare ourselves with others. The final two verses also put it all in context, we want greater gifts in order to express God’s love.
May I encourage us all to receive our spiritual gifts and then to steward them well so that church will be built up.
