Wow! Thanks for the Present. What is it? – The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Some may call him the Holy Spirit, but He is the third person of the Trinity, the spirit of the one true living God. He was introduced to early Christians forty days after Jesus’ resurrection, and He’s been with us ever since. He is known as our Comforter, Advocate, and Counselor. He's not just some fuzzy concept hovering somewhere up in the atmosphere supervising our guardian angels. He is our personal powerhouse, ready to equip us for service and worship, two of our primary purposes on Earth.

When he arrives in our freshly born-again lives, he doesn't come empty-handed. He brings us gifts, excellent rewards we’ve never asked for; something like a welcome aboard bag of swag. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, you’ve received one. Yet, so many are unaware that their gift has already arrived, and even fewer have explored the treasure it holds. Even if we were to look inside, we might still be scratching our heads, unsure of how or when to put its contents to use.

The theological and collective term for these amazing gifts is “charismata.” It’s the plural form of the Greek word “charisma,” which means “gift of grace” or “free gift.” It’s where the word charisma comes from. Whether we know it or not, the nature of these gifts contributes to our charm and personality. And we are supposed to use them to build up the “whole body of Christ,” His church on Earth. These spiritual gifts are “mission-critical” devices. The better we understand how to utilize them, the more successful our mission will be.

The following is a friendly tutorial about how to unwrap your spiritual gifts. Let’s call them heavenly handouts. I’ll use Scripture to help you lock in on the truth about each of these wonderful gifts, how to utilize them for optimal benefit, caution against misusing them, and how each one must be wrapped in love for our fellow man and our Creator God. So, what are they, and which one do I have?

First, let me offer you some perspective. Consider for a moment how a diamond catches the light, scattering it into a brilliant display. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are much the same—each a unique facet reflecting the magnificent grace of God. As you discover their variety, take time to admire His handiwork. Recognize their immeasurable worth and humbly receive the one He has graciously given to you. If you have never taken a spiritual gifts assessment, here is a good recommendation, and it’s free: https://myspiritualgifts.com/spiritual-gifts-test/

Everyone loves getting presents. It’s exciting, isn’t it? Go ahead and complete the survey to find out which one you were given.  I’ll wait here. Tap, tap, tap… OK! You’re back. Now let’s take a few minutes to unwrap your present and figure out how it works.

The Gift of Wisdom

·         Biblical Reference: "For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit..." (1 Corinthians 12:8). James 1:5 also encourages us to ask God for wisdom.

·         Application: The gift of wisdom is the supernatural ability to apply God's truth to specific situations. It provides us with divine insight and sound judgment, especially in complicated circumstances. It's not merely intellectual knowledge but a spiritual insight that sees things from God's perspective. For instance, a person with this gift might offer counsel that brings clarity and resolution to a difficult church conflict or provide guidance that prevents a young believer from making a terrible decision. It helps navigate life's challenges with godly principles.

·         Misuse: This gift can be misused when people rely on their own intellect rather than divine guidance, leading to pride or manipulation. Some may use their gift of wisdom to control others, gain personal influence, or justify ungodly actions. They might boldly display cleverness and call it spiritual insight.

The Gift of Knowledge

·         Biblical Reference: "...and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:8).

·         Application: Think of the gift of knowledge as a kind of "divine insight." It's not about being book-smart or having studied for years; it's when God gives you a piece of information you couldn't have possibly known on your own. For instance, you might be praying for a friend and suddenly understand a specific past hurt that has been holding them back for years, binding them. This can allow you to minister to them powerfully. Or maybe you're reading a confusing passage in the Bible, and suddenly, the meaning becomes crystal clear. It’s a real faith-booster, a sign from God that reminds you He's present and active in your life.

·         Misuse: The most significant danger with this gift is pride. Paul gives us a great warning: "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (1 Corinthians 8:1). If someone starts using these special insights to act superior, judge others, or make themselves look like a spiritual big shot, they've missed the point entirely. Instead of building people up, they use the knowledge to condemn or create divisions. This gift isn't for showing off what you know; it's for helping others through life with God’s love.

The Gift of Faith

·         Biblical Reference: "To another faith by the same Spirit..." (1 Corinthians 12:9). This is a special, supernatural faith beyond saving faith.

·         Application: You could describe the gift of faith as a kind of "supernatural confidence" in God. It’s when God gives a believer the specific ability to trust Him for something that looks completely impossible from a human point of view. This is the faith that empowers someone to take a bold step of obedience and fully expect God to do something totally unbelievable. For example, it might be a person praying with firm conviction for someone with a so-called incurable disease. Or it could be the person who launches a massive ministry outreach with next to no resources, simply trusting that God will provide everything needed to see it through.

·         Misuse: The misuse of this gift often looks like overconfidence. This is where the line gets blurry. It’s when a person decides what they want to happen and then claims it's God's will, often leading to spiritual recklessness and deep disappointment.

Gifts of Healing

·         Biblical Reference: "...to another gifts of healings by the one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:9).

·         Application: When we talk about the gifts of healing, we're talking about the special ability God gives someone to act as a channel for His revitalizing power. This isn't just about physical sickness; deep emotional or spiritual wounds can also cause it. Interestingly, the Bible refers to them as "gifts" in the plural, likely because healing can manifest in different ways in various situations. Sometimes, a person might pray and witness an immediate, dramatic recovery. Other times, the healing is a more gradual process of restoration. Either way, these gifts are a beautiful sign of God's compassion and power, designed to draw people closer to Him.

·         Misuse: Because this gift is so visible, it can be seriously misused. The most obvious way is when someone turns it into a spectacle for personal fame or financial profit, putting themselves in the spotlight instead of God. It's also misused when it promotes an unhealthy rejection of medical science. But perhaps the most heartbreaking misuse is when someone isn't healed, and the person praying blames it on the sick person's "lack of faith." This is incredibly harmful, adding a heavy burden of guilt to someone who is already suffering. The true gift of healing always flows from a place of compassion, never condemnation.

The Gift of Miracles

·         Biblical Reference: "...to another the working of miracles" (1 Corinthians 12:10).

·         Application: The gift of miracles is when God empowers a person to be part of an act that goes far beyond the standard guidelines of nature. It's a powerful and direct display of God's intervention in the world. This could look like praying for protection and seeing a dangerous situation suddenly resolved. It might be a much-needed financial provision that appears out of nowhere, or even seeing something like a dangerous storm suddenly calm down. These moments are like giant signposts from God, powerfully confirming the truth of the Gospel and reminding us that He is in control.

·         Misuse: The primary temptation with a gift like this is to chase after the "Wow!" factor. It's misused when someone starts seeking sensationalism, performing amazing acts to bring glory and attention to themselves rather than to God. It can also be twisted into an attempt to manipulate circumstances for selfish reasons. The real danger is when the spectacle of the miracle distracts from the simple message of Christ. A true miracle is meant to be a sign that points to Jesus, not a show that distracts people from Him.

The Gift of Prophecy

·         Biblical Reference: "to another prophecy" (1 Corinthians 12:10). "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith" (Romans 12:6).

·         Application: When most of us hear the word "prophecy," we immediately think of someone predicting the future. While that can be a part of it, the gift of prophecy in the New Testament is usually something much more immediate and personal. The Bible says its primary purpose is to build people up, encourage them, and bring comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Think of it as God giving someone a timely, Spirit-inspired message for a specific person or group, right when they need to hear it. It might be a word of direction that brings clarity to a church, a message of hope that lifts a person's spirit, or a gentle challenge that encourages someone to get back on track.

·         Misuse: Because this gift involves speaking on God's behalf, misusing it is a very serious matter. It's gravely misused when someone claims, "God said..." or the King James version, “Thus saith the Lord,” when it's just their own opinion. Or when they speak a false prophecy altogether. It can also be twisted for self-promotion, to condemn people, or to manipulate a situation. This can cause deep spiritual harm, creating fear and division. That's why the Bible tells us to be discerning and to test everything we hear, ensuring it aligns with Scripture and is spoken with humility and love (1 John 4:1).

The Gift of Discernment of Spirits

·         Biblical Reference: "...to another discernment of spirits" (1 Corinthians 12:10).

·         Application: The gift of discernment is a quiet but keen spiritual perception. It’s a grace-filled ability to perceive the spirit behind a message or action—to gently distinguish the voice of God from human reasoning or a deceptive influence. It’s a loving safeguard for the flock, protecting the church from teachings that could harm or mislead its members. When someone with this gift affirms that a message is truly from the Lord, it brings great peace and confidence.

·         Misuse: This protective gift becomes a weapon when it loses its humility. When it’s used as a platform for criticism or to sow seeds of suspicion based on personal opinion, it deeply wounds the body of Christ. It is most damaging when used to cast shadows on the good work of others out of jealousy. True discernment, however, is never proud or destructive; it is gentle, restorative, and always rooted in love.

The Gift of Tongues

·         Biblical Reference: "...to another various kinds of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12:10).

·         Application: The gift of tongues is the supernatural ability God gives someone to speak in a language they have never learned. The Bible illustrates this phenomenon in several different ways. Sometimes it's a known human language that someone present can understand (like on the day of Pentecost), and other times it's a spiritual or "heavenly" language used for prayer and worship. Its primary purpose is actually personal. Paul says that when you pray in a tongue, you are building up your own spirit. However, when it's used out loud in a church service, he gives a very clear rule: it must be followed by an interpretation so that everyone can understand and be built up. Without an interpretation, it doesn't help the church.

·         Misuse: The main misuse of this gift is when it creates chaos or confusion in a church service. Paul was very firm that public worship should be orderly and understandable for everyone. It's also misused when people treat it as a badge of spiritual superiority, looking down on others who don't share the gift. This leads to pride and division, the exact opposite of what the Spirit intends. The goal is always to build up—either yourself in private prayer or the whole church in public—never to show off or create confusion.

The Gift of Interpretation of Tongues

·         Biblical Reference: "...to another the interpretation of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12:10).

·         Application: This gift is the essential partner to the gift of tongues. You can think of it as being a "divine translator." It’s the supernatural ability to understand a message spoken in tongues and then explain it clearly so the entire church can understand. Paul saw these two gifts as a team. He was very clear that a message in tongues spoken out loud in a service is incomplete without an interpretation. The interpretation is what "unlocks" the message, allowing it to build up, encourage, or comfort everyone present. Without it, the message is lost.

·         Misuse: Just like the gift of tongues, this gift can be misused. The most serious misuse is when someone offers a false interpretation—either inventing something to gain attention or distorting a message to fit their own unbiblical ideas. It's also misused when someone simply pretends to have the gift when they don't. This only creates confusion and can cause people to become skeptical of real spiritual gifts. The interpreter’s role is to be a faithful messenger of what God is saying, not to add their own spin or become the center of attention.

The Gift of Service/Helps

·         Biblical Reference: "if service, in his serving" (Romans 12:7). "And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12:28).

·         Application: The gift of service is the special ability God gives people to spot a practical need and then happily step up to meet it. These are the "hands and feet" of the church, the ones who joyfully serve with diligence, often behind the scenes. You’ll see them setting up chairs, organizing a meal train for a family in crisis, or using their skills to fix something at the church building. People with this gift are the absolute backbone of many ministries. They are the doers who ensure things run smoothly and that people are cared for in real, tangible ways.

·         Misuse: This beautiful gift has its pitfalls. It's misused when the motive for serving shifts from honoring God to seeking praise and recognition from people. It can also become unhealthy if the "help" being offered enables dependency instead of empowering the person being served. On a personal level, it can lead to burnout and resentment, especially if the person serving feels unappreciated or taken for granted. When serving is done with a complaining spirit rather than a cheerful heart, it loses its joy and power.

The Gift of Teaching

• Biblical Reference: "the one who teaches, in his teaching" (Romans 12:7). "And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers" (Ephesians 4:11).

·         Application: The gift of teaching is the special ability to "turn on the lights" for people when it comes to the Bible. A good teacher can take a passage that seems dark or confusing and illuminate it, making it bright with meaning and relevance. They help us see the path God has for us more clearly and walk with greater confidence. They don't just give us facts; they provide clarity for our journey.

·         Misuse: The danger comes when a teacher starts to think they are the light, rather than just a reflection of it. The gift is abused when they use their platform to shine a spotlight on their own intellect, becoming arrogant. They might even try to bend the light of Scripture to highlight their own pet theories. Instead of bringing clarity that unites, they can create a glare that divides, forgetting their role is simply to point everyone to the one true Light.

The Gift of Encouragement

·         Biblical Reference: "the one who exhorts, in his exhortation" (Romans 12:8).

·         Application: The gift of exhortation is the God-given ability to come alongside people and inspire them to keep going and grow in their faith. Think of people with this gift as spiritual cheerleaders or coaches. They have a special knack for offering a timely word of hope when you're struggling, providing deep comfort when you're hurting, or sometimes, giving you a gentle but firm challenge to live more Christly. They are sparks who help keep the flame of faith burning in others.

·         Misuse: There can be a fine line between encouraging and nagging, and that's where this gift can be misused. Instead of building people up, a person might become a constant critic, wearing others down with endless "advice." It's also a problem when the encourager becomes self-righteous, acting as if they know what's best for everyone without showing genuine empathy. When advice is given without love, it leads to frustration rather than spiritual growth. True exhortation always comes from a place of humility and a genuine desire to see others thrive.

The Gift of Giving

·         Biblical Reference: "the one who gives, with generosity" (Romans 12:8).

·         Application: The gift of giving is the special, God-given ability to be a joyful channel of His resources. People with this gift share what they have with incredible generosity and a genuinely cheerful heart. For them, it’s more than just a duty; they find deep delight in fueling God's work. You'll find that people with this gift often give sacrificially, sometimes far beyond what seems comfortable or expected, and they prefer to do it quietly, without needing a pat on the back. They see a need—whether it's supporting the church, helping a family in crisis, or funding a ministry project—and they experience real joy in being part of the solution.

·         Misuse: This beautiful gift is misused when the motive behind it is wrong. It becomes a problem when giving is done to receive public praise, to boast about one's generosity, or to manipulate others for personal gain. It's also misused when a giver tries to control everything, "attaching strings" to their generosity and dictating exactly how the money must be used. Finally, the gift sours when someone with this ability starts to judge others who can't give at the same level, forgetting that God measures a gift by the heart, not the amount.

The Gift of Leadership/Administration

·         Biblical Reference: "the one who leads, with diligence" (Romans 12:8). "helps, administrations" (1 Corinthians 12:28).

·         Application: The gift of leadership is the God-given ability to see the big picture and effectively organize and motivate people to move forward together. Thinking about our life here in Florida, it's like the person who can organize the whole neighborhood for a community project or a hurricane cleanup—they cast a vision that gets everyone on board, they're great at putting the right people on the right tasks, and they solve problems to keep things on track. They don't just have good ideas; they inspire cooperation to bring those ideas to life for God's glory.

·         Misuse: With the responsibility to lead comes the temptation to control. This gift is misused when a leader's goal becomes about their own power or personal agenda, rather than serving the good of the group. It can also sour into micromanagement, where the leader refuses to trust their team or delegate responsibility. This not only leads to burnout for the leader but also makes the team feel disempowered and undervalued. Faithful spiritual leadership multiplies ministry by empowering others, not by hoarding all the control.

The Gift of Mercy

·         Biblical Reference: "the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness" (Romans 12:8).

·         Application: The gift of mercy is the special, God-given ability to feel deep, genuine compassion for people who are hurting and to do something to help cheerfully. People with this gift are like first responders for the soul; they are naturally drawn to those who are broken, grieving, and overlooked. They don't just feel sorry for others from a distance. They get in the trenches and offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or practical help to ease the burden. They are a beautiful, tangible reflection of God's own tender heart for His children.

·         Misuse: Having such a tender heart comes with its unique challenges. Because people with this gift are so eager to relieve pain, they can sometimes enable unhealthy behavior instead of encouraging true healing. Their deep empathy can also make them vulnerable to emotional manipulation. Perhaps the most significant danger is burnout. They feel the pain of others so deeply and can struggle to set healthy boundaries, often leading to complete emotional exhaustion. True mercy requires wisdom and self-care so that the compassion they pour out for others is both healing and sustainable.

So, What's the Point of All These Gifts?

After exploring all of these amazing spiritual gifts, the big question is: why? Why does God give them out? The Apostle Paul gives us a beautiful and straightforward answer: they aren’t for our private benefit, but for the "common good" of our entire church family.

He says these gifts are tools for "building up the body of Christ." They are never meant to be personal trophies we display to make ourselves look extra spiritual or to put us in the spotlight. Their entire purpose is to help, strengthen, and encourage each other.

Paul uses the perfect analogy of a human body to explain it. The eye can't do the hand's job, and the ear can't do the foot's job, but they desperately need each other for the body to be healthy and whole. It’s the same in the church. Your gift and my gift might be completely different, but they are both vital and valuable.

When each of us humbly uses our God-given gifts in love, the whole church grows stronger, more mature, and more effective at showing the world who Jesus is. It’s a beautiful picture of unity in diversity, a blend of uniformity and variety, with every part working together.

The Most Important Ingredient

After all is said and done, after we've explored all the wonderful spiritual gifts, the Apostle Paul brings us to the one thing that matters more than all of them combined: love.

It's no accident that he places his famous "love chapter," 1 Corinthians 13, right in the middle of his teaching on gifts. It’s as if he hits the pause button on the whole discussion to make sure we get the main point.

He makes a powerful statement: You can speak with the most beautiful, angelic eloquence, but if you don't have love, you're just making noise—a "noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." It's sound without music. He goes on to say that you can have mountain-moving faith and understand every one of God's mysteries, but if you operate without love, you are, in the end, nothing.

Love is the foundation that gives every spiritual gift its meaning and purpose. It's the engine, not just the flashy paint job. Without it, our gifts become hollow, impressive-looking shells. But when our gifts are wrapped in genuine, active love, even the smallest act becomes a beautiful and powerful expression of God's own heart.

So, what does it actually look like to use our spiritual gifts in love? It’s how love guides our hearts. Paul's "love chapter" gives us a beautiful and practical guide.

• Humility and Selflessness

Love keeps our ego in check. It reminds us that our gifts aren't trophies we've earned; they are tools on loan from God. When we're motivated by love, we're not worried about who gets the credit or how good we look. Our focus shifts from "Look at me!" to "How can I help you?" We follow the example of Jesus, who "did not come to be served, but to serve."

• Building Up and Bringing Together

Love doesn't demand its own way. When we act in love, our goal isn't to win an argument or prove we're right; it's to help the whole team win. We become more sensitive to where others are in their journey. We use our gifts to build bridges, not to dig trenches, always aiming for harmony and understanding in the church.

• Patience and Kindness

Love gives us the grace to overlook each other's imperfections. It means being patient with people who are just beginning to discover and use their gifts. It means being kind when someone makes a mistake or misunderstands what you said. Instead of passing judgment, love offers a helping hand. It shows the same mercy to others that God has so freely shown to us.

• Truth and Righteousness

Love is kind, but it isn't "nice" if that means ignoring something harmful. Love cares too much to let a friend continue down a wrong path. It "rejoices with the truth." This means sometimes love requires a tough, honest conversation, but it's always motivated by a deep desire for the other person's healing and well-being, never by a spirit of criticism. 

• Perseverance and Hope

Love is tough. It doesn't give up easily on people or God. It gives us the grit to keep serving when we're tired, to keep believing in people when they've lost hope for themselves, and to endure through challenging seasons of ministry without becoming bitter. Love always holds on to hope.

When you put it all together, you see a beautiful picture. Jesus said the world would know we are His followers not by our impressive gifts, but by our genuine love for one another. Our spiritual gifts are the tools God puts in our hands, but love is both the power source and the blueprint for our lives. Without it, the tools are useless. But when they are plugged into love, they have the power to build God's kingdom in a way that truly honors Him.

And in conclusion:

As we conclude this journey through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we see them for what they truly are: special abilities from God, generously given to empower us for His work. From the wisdom to speak a word in season to the compassionate heart of mercy, each gift is a vital tool for building up the church and showing God's power to the world.

But as we've seen, every powerful gift carries the risk of pride or division if it isn't handled with care. The one thing that protects us from those dangers and makes every gift truly effective is love.

As a musician, I know this better than anyone: a technically brilliant solo is just noise if it clashes with the harmony of the song. In the same way, our spiritual gifts, no matter how impressive, are incomplete if they aren't played in the key of love.

Let's be eager to discover and utilize the unique gifts God has given us. But let's be even more passionate about wrapping every action in humility, selflessness, and a genuine love for others. The gifts we use are for a season, but as the Bible promises us, "love never ends."

So, thank you, Holy Spirit, for this wonderful gift. Let me start using it today to help others and build Your kingdom here on Earth, not for my glory, Lord, but for the glory of Our Father, Who art in heaven.