Curiosity sparked within the pastor, and he turned to the angel to inquire about the purpose of this room. With a serene smile, the angel explained, “These are gifts God intended for His people.”
Perplexed, the pastor then asked, “If these are intended for God’s people, why are they here in
The angel sadly replied, “This room is filled with the gifts people left unopened and unused.”
Isn’t that sad, my friends? Just like all the gifts the pastor discovered in the story (which I retold from one I heard), our loving Creator has given each of us spiritual gifts. In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul reveals these amazing spiritual gifts, each with its own important meaning. So, let’s dive into these extraordinary gifts and uncover your hidden superpowers. Together, we’ll explore how to make sure your gifts don’t go unopened or unused.
When you operate within the realm of your God-given gifts, you tap into a source of profound effectiveness and joy. When we do it together, we complement one another, like the gears of a well-oiled machine. Just as not all gears are meant to be the same, not all believers are meant to serve in the same way.
No Mission Trips or Street Preaching Required
Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye,
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
Embracing the Evolution of Our Spiritual Gifts
Did you know that our spiritual gifts are valuable for our entire lives as believers? In God’s plan, retirement from using our gifts and serving others does not exist. Just like our bodies may get older, our gifts can also change and grow, giving us new chances to make a difference at every age.
While we generally have a dominant gift that remains constant, like a shining light guiding our path, our secondary gifts can change. For example, my gift of teaching has not changed over the years with any test I’ve taken. However, my secondary gift of prophecy has become more prominent. Perhaps this reflects the discernment and clarity I’ve acquired over time, enabling me to perceive the direction our world is heading.
When we have the Holy Spirit within us, we have access to a special power. It’s like having a backup plan when we need to use a gift that isn’t our strongest. We might not feel as
Unveiling the 7 Spiritual Gifts in Romans 12
Whether you’ve already investigated your spiritual gifts or are curious to find out about them, get comfy with your favorite drink and let’s explore the spiritual gifts mentioned in Romans 12. We’ll take a closer look at each gift and what it means.
- Prophecy: This gift involves sharing messages from God, which can include insights about the future, understanding God’s plans, or offering words of encouragement, advice, or support.
- Serving (or Ministry): If you have this gift, you have a heart and willingness to assist and meet the practical needs of others, often done behind the scenes and with a humble attitude.
- Teaching: The gift of teaching involves the ability to explain and communicate knowledge, ideas, and principles effectively. It includes breaking down complex concepts into understandable parts and helping others grasp new information or skills. Teachers use their gift to educate and empower others to learn and grow.
- Exhortation (or Encouragement): Exhortation means to encourage and motivate others. It is grounded in truth. Often it involves providing words of comfort, and challenging others to grow in their faith and become all God intended them to be.
- Giving: If you have a big heart and are willing to share what you have with others, you might have the gift of giving. It involves being generous and sacrificial, using your time, talents, and treasures (belongings) to help others and support God’s Kingdom. By giving, you make a positive impact on the lives of those in need and contribute to the greater good.
- Leadership: The gift of leadership means being able to collaborate, lead, and guide others towards a shared goal or purpose. It involves providing a clear vision, motivating others, and organizing things in a way that influences and inspires those around you.
- Mercy: The gift of mercy involves having a deep sense of compassion and empathy towards those who are suffering, showing kindness, and offering support and help to alleviate their pain or distress.
Embracing Your Gifts
Each of us possesses special abilities that we display for everyone to see, like superpowers we proudly exhibit. However, some people also have secret talents or skills they keep tucked away, revealing them only to the people they trust the most and who are closest to them. Some spiritual gifts tests are designed to uncover both. In my case, there is little difference. What you see is what you get. On the other hand, for others, it’s like they have two personas—a public version and a more intimate one. And that’s perfectly okay!
So, my dear friends, embrace your gifts—both the ones you show the world and the ones you hold dear to your heart. Each gift, whether visible or concealed, has a purpose and brings beauty to the world around us.
Discover Your Gifts
Curious to know which spiritual gifts you possess? I have a treat for you! I’ve found several free online spiritual gifts tests. It will help you explore and understand your unique talents and how you can use them to bring joy and blessings to others. Tests you pay for will give you more detail, but these can get you started. Here are a few links to try:
I can’t possibly cover everything about spiritual gifts in one blog post. However, apart from Romans 12, several other biblical scriptures discuss spiritual gifts. For instance, here are a few notable passages you can study:
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Ephesians 4:11-13
1 Peter 4:10-11
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
1 Corinthians 14:1-5
Unwrapping Your Gifts to Activate Your Superpowers
Once you’ve discovered your spiritual gifts, an exciting next step is putting them into action! If you don’t yet know exactly what you’re supposed to do with your gifts, you can start by plugging into your local church community. There, you’ll find various opportunities to serve and contribute your unique talents. If you have the gift of teaching, you could lead a Bible study or a Sunday school class. If you have the gift of encouragement, you could join the hospitality team and warmly welcome newcomers. If you have the gift of serving, you could assist with practical tasks or volunteer for outreach programs. Taking part in your church community allows you to use your gifts and make a difference in the lives of others.
When we and others use our spiritual gifts, it’s like a beautiful symphony playing together. Each person’s talents, passions, and callings blend perfectly, creating an amazing composition. It’s as if we all have a role to play in this grand orchestra of life, making the world more colorful and extraordinary.
May you walk confidently in your spiritual gifts, leaving no gifts unopened. Until we meet again, go forth and share your unique light with the world!
A Prayer of Surrender: Embracing Our Divine Gifts and Callings
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the marvelous gifts you have bestowed upon each one of us. Help us to recognize and embrace our gifts, using them to bring joy, love, and transformation to the lives of others. Guide us to operate in the flow of your Spirit, working together harmoniously as we walk in our divine callings. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Ready to unleash your superpowers and nurture your body as a temple?
Start your journey today by exploring the spiritual gifts God has given you. After that, join the Healthy Temples Fellowship on Facebook, a community of people who share your interests in Scripture, science, and health. You’ll learn valuable tips, share your own experiences, and receive guidance on how to improve your well-being. This way, you can fully use your gifts for God’s purpose. Don’t let health issues stop you from fulfilling your calling. Join us now and begin a holistic journey towards embracing the unique design God has for you!