Many people have received gifts from their loved ones, but sometimes they forget to open them or use them. This can show a lack of appreciation and gratitude for the giver and the gift. The same can happen with our spiritual gifts from God. He has given us each at least one spiritual gift when we became His children through faith in Jesus Christ. These gifts are meant to be used and cherished by building up the body of Christ and glorifying God. However, sometimes we may neglect or ignore our spiritual gifts, or we may not know how to use them properly.
How to discover your spiritual gifts
The Bible tells us that there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, such as faith, service, teaching, exhorting (encouragement), leading, generosity, and many more (1 Corinthians 12-14, Ephesians 4, Romans 12). These gifts are given by the Holy Spirit according to His will and for His purposes. To discover your spiritual gifts, you can do the following:
- Pray and ask God to reveal your spiritual gifts to you and to help you use them for His glory.
- Study the scriptures and learn about the different spiritual gifts and how they are used in the church.
- Take a spiritual gifts assessment or inventory that can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in various areas of ministry.
- Share your results with a close friend or a spiritual mentor who can confirm or challenge your findings and give you feedback.
- Experiment with different opportunities to serve others in your church or community using your spiritual gifts.
How to use your spiritual gifts to serve others
Once you have discovered your spiritual gifts, you should not keep them to yourself or hide them under a bushel. The Bible instructs us to use our spiritual gifts to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms (1 Peter 4:10). Here are some ways to use your spiritual gifts to serve others:
- Seek God’s guidance and direction on how and where He wants you to use your spiritual gifts. Be open and willing to follow His leading, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone or trying something new.
- Find a ministry or a mission that aligns with your spiritual gifts and passions. Look for ways to contribute your time, talents, and resources to support the work of God in your church or community.
- Be humble and teachable. Recognize that you are not the only one with spiritual gifts, and that you need the other members of the body of Christ to complement and complete your service. Learn from others who have different or similar gifts, and be willing to share your insights and experiences with them.
- Be faithful and diligent. Use your spiritual gifts regularly and consistently, not sporadically or occasionally. Develop your skills and abilities through practice and training, and seek feedback and improvement. Don’t let fear, laziness, or pride hinder you from using your spiritual gifts effectively.
- Be joyful and thankful. Use your spiritual gifts with a spirit of joy and gratitude, not with a spirit of duty or obligation. Remember that using your spiritual gifts is a privilege and an honor, not a burden or a chore. Rejoice in the Lord for giving you these gifts, and thank Him for the opportunity to serve Him and others.
How using your spiritual gifts can glorify God
Using your spiritual gifts is not only beneficial for yourself and others, but also for God. When you use your spiritual gifts, you are fulfilling God’s purpose for your life and bringing Him glory. Here are some ways that using your spiritual gifts can glorify God:
- You are showing God’s love and grace to others. When you use your spiritual gifts to serve others, you are demonstrating God’s love and grace in action. You are being His hands and feet, His voice and ears, His heart and mind in the world. You are reflecting His character and nature to those around you.
- You are displaying God’s power and wisdom to others. When you use your spiritual gifts to serve others, you are displaying God’s power and wisdom in action. You are relying on His strength and guidance, not on your own. You are acknowledging His sovereignty and authority over all things. You are revealing His wonders and miracles to those around you.
- You are praising God’s name and honor to others. When you use your spiritual gifts to serve others, you are praising God’s name and honor in action. You are giving Him credit and glory for all that He has done in you and through you. You are testifying of His goodness and faithfulness in your life. You are magnifying His greatness and majesty to those around you.