> As a follower of Christ, you are uniquely gifted by God to serve His Kingdom. The Bible teaches that every Christian is endowed with spiritual gifts—abilities granted by the Holy Spirit to build up the Body of Christ and glorify God. Yet, many believers wonder, What is my spiritual gift? How can I discover it?
In this blog post, we’ll explore what spiritual gifts are, why it’s our responsibility to use them, and practical ways to discover your spiritual gifts. As you search, remember that God is the giver of gifts, and He reveals them to us in His time and ways.
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What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are specific abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers. Unlike natural talents, which are inherent and often develop over time, spiritual gifts are supernatural empowerments given for the purpose of serving others and glorifying God.
The Apostle Paul provides several lists of spiritual gifts in the New Testament. Here are just a few examples:
- Romans 12:6-8: Prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership, mercy
- 1 Corinthians 12:8-11: Wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, discernment, tongues, interpretation of tongues
- Ephesians 4:11-12: Apostleship, prophecy, evangelism, shepherding/pastoring, teaching
Each person’s combination of gifts is unique, reflecting the creative and diverse work of the Spirit. As Paul writes, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Corinthians 12:4, NIV).
Spiritual gifts are not for personal gain but for the edification of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:7) and the fulfillment of God’s purposes in the world. They are a sacred trust, and discovering and using them is part of our faithful stewardship.
Why Discovering Your Spiritual Gift Matters
As a believer, discovering and using your spiritual gifts is more than a suggestion—it’s a responsibility. Peter urges 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, NIV). God has gifted you for a purpose, and part of your spiritual maturity is identifying how God wants to use you.
John Stott once wrote, “At every stage of our Christian development, and in every sphere of our Christian discipleship, we are called to exercise a ministry of service… all gifts are ministries, all ministries are for service, and all service is for God’s glory.”
Six Ways to Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
How do you find your spiritual gift? Here are six practical and biblical steps to guide your journey:
1. Learn What the Bible Says About Spiritual Gifts
Start by immersing yourself in God’s Word. Study passages like Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4 to understand the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts. Ask the Spirit to illuminate the truths of Scripture and guide your heart as you read.
One important truth to remember: No gift is more important than another. Paul reminds us, “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’” (1 Corinthians 12:21). Each gift plays a vital role in the Body of Christ.
2. Pray for Wisdom and Guidance
Ask God to reveal your spiritual gifts through prayer. As James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Prayer is not just a request—it’s a conversation with God. In the quietness of prayer, God often stirs desires and convictions in our hearts that point to how He wants us to serve.
3. Conduct a Sober Self-Assessment
Take time to reflect on your own strengths, preferences, and passions. Ask yourself:
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What am I naturally good at?
Your spiritual gifts often align closely with your God-given talents, though they are not the same. For example, someone with a talent for teaching may also have the spiritual gift of teaching or exhortation. Experiment by serving in different areas, and pay attention to what energizes you and where you sense God working through you.
Paul advises, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3).
4. Look for Evidence of God’s Blessing in Your Efforts
As you serve in various ways, where do you see fruit? God often reveals spiritual gifts by blessing our work in certain areas. For example, someone with the gift of hospitality will find that people are drawn to their warmth and generosity.
Jesus taught that we will recognize good works by their fruit: “A good tree bears good fruit” (Matthew 7:17). Pay attention to the feedback and affirmation you receive from others.
For instance, if someone consistently volunteers their time to help feed the homeless and those efforts inspire gratitude and positive change in the community, the feedback from those they help and from others witnessing their actions serves as affirmation that their work is producing “good fruit.” This feedback may come as words of thanks, visible improvement in the lives of those they serve, or others being inspired to join and contribute to the cause.
5. Consider Your Education and Experiences
Your life experiences and education can give clues about your spiritual gift. For instance, someone with a background in healthcare may have the spiritual gift of mercy, while a skilled teacher may have a gift for shepherding or exhortation.
While natural talents and experiences are not the same as spiritual gifts, they often work in tandem to equip us for ministry. As Rick Warren notes in The Purpose Driven Life, “Your spiritual gifts were not given for your own benefit but for the benefit of others, just as other people were given gifts for your benefit.”
6. Seek the Wisdom of Others
Sometimes others can see your gifts more clearly than you can. Your pastors, mentors, and fellow Christians can provide valuable insight and encouragement as you seek to discover your gifts. For example, a young woman feels unsure about her abilities, but her pastor notices her compassion and natural way of connecting with others. He encourages her to consider leading a small group or volunteering in a counseling ministry, helping her recognize her gift for empathy and guidance.
Proverbs 15:22 reminds us, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Be willing to listen to their observations, even if they challenge your assumptions.
For Further Study
The following books are recommended for further, in-depth study:
- Your Spiritual Gifts Can Help Your Church Grow by C. Peter Wagner
- Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts: A Personal Inventory Method by Kenneth C. Kinghorn
- The Holy Spirit and Spiritual Gifts by Max Turner
Final Thoughts
Discovering your spiritual gift is a journey, not a race. It requires prayer, study, and a willingness to step out in faith. Along the way, remember that spiritual gifts are always about serving God and others, not about self-promotion.
As A.W. Tozer once wrote, “God is looking for those with whom He can do the impossible—what a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves.” Let this truth encourage you: The gift God has given you, no matter how small it seems, holds eternal significance when used for His glory.
Step forward and explore your unique place in God’s Kingdom. You were created and called for a purpose—discover it, embrace it, and walk boldly in it.
What are your thoughts on spiritual gifts? Have you discovered yours yet? Share your experience in the comments below!
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