what are spiritual gifts & how to develop them
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Each of us has been blessed with unique spiritual gifts from Heavenly Father—divine talents and abilities meant to help us grow, serve others, and glorify God. These gifts vary among individuals, but they all serve a common purpose: to bring light, faith, and love into the world.
How can we recognize these gifts? How can we develop them to fulfill our divine potential? Understanding and cultivating spiritual gifts is an essential part of our journey back to Him.
Recognizing Our Spiritual Gifts
The Apostle Paul taught that spiritual gifts are given by the Spirit to benefit everyone (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Some gifts may be outwardly visible—such as teaching, healing, or leadership—while others, like faith, wisdom, and discernment, work quietly within us.
Recognizing our spiritual gifts requires self-reflection, prayer, and guidance from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, we may overlook the gifts we have because they come so naturally to us.
A person with the gift of wisdom may not realize they are offering profound insights until others seek their counsel. Someone with the gift of service may not recognize their impact until someone expresses gratitude for their help.
Ways to Identify Your Spiritual Gifts
- Pray for Revelation – Ask Heavenly Father to reveal your spiritual gifts. He may do so through thoughts, experiences, or confirmation from others.
- Reflect on What Comes Naturally – Consider the things you do effortlessly that uplift others. Are you drawn to encouraging people? Do you have a deep sense of faith?
- Observe How You Serve Others – Often, our spiritual gifts manifest in how we naturally help those around us. Think about moments where you’ve felt inspired to act in love and kindness.
- Listen to Feedback from Others – Sometimes, others recognize our spiritual gifts before we do. Pay attention to compliments and encouragement that highlight your strengths.
- Consider What Brings You Joy – Spiritual gifts align with our divine purpose. If you feel joy when using a particular talent, it may be a spiritual gift meant to bless others.
Spiritual gifts are meant to be cultivated and shared. As we become more aware of them, we gain a deeper understanding of our divine potential.
Reflective Question
Have you ever experienced a moment when a talent or ability you possessed brought comfort or inspiration to someone else? How did that experience make you feel?
Examples of Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts come in many forms, and each serves a unique purpose in the Lord’s work. Below are some examples of spiritual gifts mentioned in scripture and observed in the lives of faithful individuals:
1. The Gift of Faith
This is the ability to trust in God completely, even in difficult times. Those with this gift inspire others through their unwavering belief in God’s promises.
2. The Gift of Wisdom
Wisdom allows individuals to discern truth, make righteous decisions, and provide Godly counsel to others.
3. The Gift of Healing
Some are blessed with the ability to bring comfort and healing to others, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
4. The Gift of Teaching
This gift enables individuals to explain gospel principles in a way that inspires and strengthens the faith of others.
5. The Gift of Discernment
The ability to distinguish between truth and deception is crucial in today’s world. This gift helps individuals recognize what is of God and what is not.
6. The Gift of Charity and Compassion
Those with this gift have a deep love for others and a strong desire to serve and uplift those in need.
7. The Gift of Prophecy
This gift allows individuals to receive and share divine revelation, guiding and encouraging others in faith.
8. The Gift of Leadership
Some are called to lead with integrity, humility, and righteousness, inspiring others to follow Christ.
9. The Gift of Encouragement
This is the ability to uplift and strengthen others through words of hope and affirmation.
10. The Gift of Tongues and Interpretation
In some cases, individuals are blessed with the ability to communicate in different languages or interpret messages from the Lord.
Each of these gifts is given for the benefit of God’s children and to help build His kingdom. By identifying and developing these gifts, we can magnify our callings and serve others more effectively.
Reflective Question
Which of these spiritual gifts do you feel most drawn to? Have you seen them in yourself or others?
Developing the Gifts God Has Bestowed Upon Us
Spiritual gifts, like any talents, require nurturing and refinement. Here are some ways we can develop the gifts God has given us:
1. Seek the Lord in Prayer
James 1:5 teaches that if we lack wisdom, we can ask of God. If you’re unsure what your spiritual gifts are, take time to pray and ask Heavenly Father to reveal them to you. He will guide you through promptings, experiences, and personal revelation.
2. Study the Scriptures and Learn from Others
Scriptures and church leaders offer profound insights into spiritual gifts. Studying how prophets and disciples developed their divine abilities can inspire us to do the same.
3. Act in Faith and Use Your Gifts
The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) reminds us that gifts must be used and multiplied. If we hesitate to use what we have, we risk losing it. If you feel called to teach, start small by leading a discussion or mentoring someone. If you have the gift of encouragement, write letters or call those who need support. Action strengthens our gifts.
4. Serve Others
Many spiritual gifts, such as healing, discernment, and compassion, flourish when we serve. When we focus on blessing others, we open ourselves to divine guidance and become instruments in His hands.
A friend of mine always seemed to have the right words to uplift others. At first, she doubted her ability to offer meaningful counsel, but as she continued to serve and encourage people, her confidence in this spiritual gift grew. Today, she leads a support group that has changed countless lives.
Reflective Question
What is one way you can use your gifts today to bless someone around you?
Conclusion
Take a moment to reflect on the gifts you’ve noticed in your life. How have they blessed you and others? How can you continue to grow in them?
Final Thought: What spiritual gifts has Heavenly Father given you, and how can you magnify them to serve His children?
By embracing our spiritual gifts and dedicating them to God’s work, we draw closer to Him and find greater joy in our journey of faith.
What is one of your spiritual gifts? Let us know in the comments below!
Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum
