Complete List of Spiritual Gifts in the Bible
Introduction
The spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible are special gifts of grace that God has given to His children for the ministry of the church, spiritual growth, and the manifestation of God’s glory. These gifts are not acquired by a person’s own merit or effort, but are precious gifts freely bestowed by the Holy Spirit.
Main Lists of Spiritual Gifts
Lists of spiritual gifts are found in three major places in the Bible:
- Romans 12:6-8
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
- 1 Corinthians 12:28
- Ephesians 4:11 (leadership gifts)
1. Prophecy
- Definition : To receive a direct message from God, giving guidance, warning, or encouragement to the church.
- Purpose : Proclamation of truth and spiritual awakening.
- Possible uses : Preaching, spiritual counseling, hymn writing.
2. Service
- Definition : The gift of serving, caring for, and helping others in their needs.
- Purpose : To demonstrate practical service and love in the church.
- Potential uses : Hospital services, disaster management, church management.
3. Teaching
- Definition : The art of clearly teaching and applying the Word of God to life.
- Objective : Strengthening spiritual education.
- Possible uses : Bible study leadership, church training.
4. Encouragement
- Definition : The special ability to spiritually strengthen and encourage others.
- Objective : To increase trust.
- Possible uses : Personal counseling, motivational writing.
5. Giving
- Definition : The gift of happily sharing one’s resources (money, time, goods).
- Purpose : To meet the needs of the church and society.
- Possible uses : Charity work, church financial support.
6. Leadership
- Definition : The ability to guide a congregation or group in a spiritual direction.
- Purpose : To maintain coordination and unity in the church.
- Possible uses : Pastor, department head, Bible class coordinator.
7. Mercy
- Definition : The gift of showing special love and compassion to those who are suffering or weak.
- Purpose : To comfort the victims.
- Possible uses : Hospitals, nursing homes, counseling services.
8. Word of Wisdom
- Definition : The ability to reveal God’s truth and plan in difficult situations.
- Purpose : To lead the congregation to the right decision.
- Possible uses : Spiritual counseling, leadership decisions.
9. Word of Knowledge
- Definition : The gift of receiving special knowledge or information from the Holy Spirit.
- Purpose : To reveal God’s will.
- Possible uses : prayer service, prophetic message.
10. Faith
- Definition : The gift of having unwavering faith in God even in seemingly impossible circumstances.
- Purpose : To show miracles and inspire others.
- Possible uses : Prayer army, faith-based campaign.
11. Healing
- Definition : The gift of healing a person physically, mentally, or spiritually through the supernatural power of God.
- Purpose : To reveal the glory of God.
- Possible uses : Healing gatherings, personal service.
12. Miracles
- Definition : The gift of performing unusual acts that demonstrate the power of God.
- Purpose : Evidence of God’s presence.
- Possible use : Special service program.
13. Discernment of Spirits
- Definition : The ability to distinguish between true and false spirits.
- Purpose : To protect the church from lies.
- Possible uses : Spiritual warfare, identifying false teachings.
14. Speaking in Tongues
- Definition : The gift of speaking in new tongues from God.
- Purpose : Evangelism and spiritual edification.
- Possible uses : Prayer meetings, missionary work.
15. Interpretation of Tongues
- Definition : The gift of understanding and interpreting messages spoken in other languages.
- Purpose : To build up the church.
- Possible uses : public meetings, language translation.
16. Helping (Helps)
- Definition : A gift that helps with practical support and administration in the church.
- Objective : To bring order to service work.
- Possible uses : Program management, ministry support.
Conclusion
These spiritual gifts are given to each Christian differently, but all have the same purpose— to reveal God’s glory and serve the church.
May we be inspired to identify your gifts and use them effectively in God’s kingdom.