The Gifts of the Spirit: Power with a Purpose
“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”
—1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT)
Spiritual gifts are one of the most misunderstood and misused parts of the Christian walk. For some, they feel mysterious or intimidating. For others, they’ve become a badge of honor or a performance tool. But Scripture makes it clear: spiritual gifts aren’t about showing off—they’re about building up.
They are given, not earned.
They are for the body, not the individual.
And they must be used with love, or they lose their power entirely (1 Corinthians 13:1–3).
Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4 that spiritual gifts are diverse but divinely orchestrated. They are given by the Holy Spirit to believers at salvation, and while some may develop or be revealed later, their purpose is always the same: to serve, to edify, and to glorify God.
There are different types of gifts:
Motivational gifts, like encouragement, giving, and mercy.
Manifestation gifts, such as healing, discernment, and tongues.
Ministry or leadership gifts—apostles, teachers, shepherds.
Each has its place. Each is necessary.
But here’s the key: gifts without fruit become noise.
Galatians 5:22–23 lists the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—as the visible proof of a Spirit-led life. Those fruits are the character of a believer. The gifts are the capabilities. And the two must go hand in hand.
You can teach with power but lack patience.
You can prophesy but still need humility.
You can lead but have no love—and when that happens, the gift becomes hollow.
That’s why Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:1, “Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives...” (NLT). It’s not one or the other. It’s both.
When you begin to understand that your spiritual gifts were not given to highlight you but to reflect Him, everything changes. You stop striving to “have” a gift and start seeking to use what He’s already placed inside you—for His glory and the good of others.
And that’s the point: spiritual gifts are tools, not trophies.
They are meant to be used—stirred up, sharpened, developed.
Not hidden. Not hoarded. Not feared.
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
—1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
The Church doesn’t need more people competing over gifts—it needs more people walking in love, led by the Spirit, confident in the unique way God has called them to serve.
So if you’re unsure what your gifts are, ask. Seek. Step out. Let others speak into your life. Try. Learn. Serve.
But most importantly—stay rooted in Christ, led by the Spirit, and clothed in love.
Because spiritual gifts may be powerful, but their greatest power is revealed when they are used with purpose and humility—for the good of the Church and the glory of God.
