As Christians, we believe that God has given each of us unique gifts and talents to serve Him and others. These spiritual gifts are not just skills or natural abilities, but they are empowered by the Holy Spirit and used for the building up of the Church.
What are the Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are special abilities, graces, or talents given to believers by the Holy Spirit to serve others and build up the church. The concept of spiritual gifts is derived from the New Testament teachings of the apostle Paul, who describes various gifts in his letters to the churches. There are different views and interpretations of the specific gifts, but some commonly recognized spiritual gifts include:
Wisdom
Knowledge
Faith
Healing
Miracles
Prophecy
Discernment of spirits
Speaking in tongues
Interpretation of tongues
Serving
Teaching
Exhortation
Giving
Administration
Mercy
These gifts are not meant for personal gain or to promote one’s own agenda, but rather to serve others and glorify God.
Spiritual Gift Discovery Step-by-Step Guide
Discovering your spiritual gifts can be a process of self-reflection, prayer, and seeking guidance from others. One helpful tool for this process is guided journaling, which allows you to explore your thoughts and feelings in a structured way. Here are some steps to guide you through a journaling experience to discover your spiritual gifts:
Step 1: Prepare your heart and mind for prayer and reflection
Before you begin journaling, take some time to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in this process. Ask for His wisdom and clarity as you explore your spiritual gifts.
Step 2: Reflect on your experiences
Think back on times when you have felt most fulfilled or energized in your life. What were you doing? What were the circumstances? What did you enjoy most about these experiences? Reflect on what these experiences tell you about your strengths and passions.
Step 3: Consider feedback from others
Ask trusted friends or mentors for their feedback on your strengths and talents. What do they see in you that you may not see in yourself? Their perspective can give you a more holistic view of your spiritual gifts.
Step 4: Look to Scripture
Read and meditate on passages that speak to spiritual gifts, such as Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and Ephesians 4:11-13. These passages describe different gifts and how they are used to build up the body of Christ.
Step 5: Reflect on your desires
What do you feel drawn to? What do you desire to do for God’s Kingdom? These desires can be an indicator of your spiritual gifts and where God may be leading you.
Step 6: Write in your journal
Take time to write in your journal, reflecting on the insights you have gained from the previous steps. Write down any thoughts, ideas, or revelations that come to you. Use your journal to record your spiritual journey as you discover and develop your gifts.
Step 7: Take action
Once you have discovered your spiritual gifts, it’s time to put them into action. Seek opportunities to use your gifts within your church or community. Be open to where God may be leading you and trust that He will use your gifts for His glory.
What about Your Journey of Discovering Your Spiritual Gift?
Discovering your spiritual gifts is a journey of self-discovery and seeking guidance from God and others. Guided journaling can be a helpful tool in this process, allowing you to reflect on your experiences, seek feedback, and look to Scripture. As you discover your gifts, remember to use them for the building up of the Church and the glory of God.
