“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”
1 Corinthians 12:7-10
The Holy Spirit freely gives various gifts to every believer, each intended for a specific purpose within the body of Christ. Spiritual gifts are not merely meant for your personal edification, but also to benefit others. Through these gifts, believers are equipped to serve and build up the Church effectively.
- The word of Wisdom: The gift enables believers to apply divine truth to life’s challenges (Acts 27:9-19). It offers profound understanding, clarity, and direction, aligning us with God’s will.
- The word of Knowledge: It involves supernatural insight into mysteries and truths that surpasses natural comprehension (Col 2:2-3). This insight provides a deeper understanding of both scriptures and real-life situations.
- Faith: Believers have bold, unshakable confidence in what is hoped for and assurance in what is not seen (Heb 11:1). It is different from saving faith and from the faith or faithfulness which is the fruit of the Spirit. This gift is based on the Word and it is beyond human reasoning and doubt, inspiring others to greater belief.
- Healing: The ability to restore physical, emotional, or spiritual health by God’s divine power (Matt 10:1). It heals and restores people from different ailments.
- The working of miracles: It involves performing supernatural acts that defy natural laws, demonstrating God’s power and authority (Acts 19:11-12).
- Prophecy: Believers receive and communicate messages from God that provide edification, exhortation and comfort to men (1 Cor 14:3).
- Discerning of spirits: It is a gift that helps believers to distinguish spiritual influences, identifying what is from God and what is not (Acts 16:16-18).
- Tongues: The gift to speak in an unknown language to the speaker, often used in personal prayer or worship. He who speaks in tongues does not speak to men but to God, and he utters mysteries by the Spirit (1 Cor 14:2).
- Interpretation of tongues: Believers can interpret and understand messages spoken in tongues, making the spiritual language comprehensible to the Church (1 Cor 14:13).
The Spirit of God equips all believers with these gifts. Each gift serves a distinct purpose, contributing to the effectiveness of the Church. As we embrace and use our spiritual gifts faithfully and in an orderly manner, we glorify God and advance His kingdom.
Further Study: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
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