Charisma can be a gift, but the Bible reminds us to use it for God’s glory. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture calls us to focus on character over outward appearances.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Character Of God
What Does The Bible Say About Charisma
Matthew 7:22-23
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'”
This verse reminds us that charisma and outward displays of spiritual gifts are not enough to gain entrance into God’s kingdom. True discipleship requires a genuine relationship with Jesus, rather than relying solely on external manifestations of power.
It serves as a warning against placing emphasis on charisma or supernatural abilities without the foundation of a personal relationship with Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:4
“My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.”
This verse reveals that true spiritual influence does not rely on human charisma or persuasive rhetoric, but on the power of the Holy Spirit. Charisma may capture attention, but it is the power of God that truly transforms lives.
It emphasizes the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment rather than relying solely on human abilities.
1 Corinthians 12:7-11
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.”
This passage highlights that charisma, in the form of spiritual gifts, is given by the Holy Spirit and serves a purpose within the body of Christ. These gifts are not for personal glory, but for the benefit of the church and the common good.
It reinforces the importance of using our spiritual gifts with humility and recognizing that they are given to us by God’s grace and should be used in service to others.
Matthew 10:20
“For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
This verse emphasizes that true charisma comes from the Holy Spirit, as He speaks through believers. It reminds us that our words and actions should be guided by the leading of the Spirit, rather than relying on our own abilities or eloquence.
It encourages us to seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in our lives and rely on His guidance for effective communication and impact.
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
This verse highlights that charisma, in the form of spiritual roles and leadership positions, is given by Christ for the purpose of equipping and building up the body of believers.
It emphasizes the importance of utilizing these gifts for service and fostering the growth and unity of the church.
James 3:17-18
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
This verse presents a different perspective on charisma, focusing on the qualities of wisdom that are from heaven. True charisma is demonstrated through a godly character that promotes peace, mercy, and righteousness.
It challenges us to prioritize inner qualities over outward displays and to cultivate a Christ-like character that attracts others to the gospel.
1 Peter 4:10-11
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of using our gifts and charisma to serve others, recognizing that these abilities are entrusted to us by God as stewards of His grace. Whether through speaking or serving, we should operate in God’s strength and for His glory.
It challenges us to use our charisma in a way that points others to Christ and brings praise to God.
Romans 12:6-8
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
This verse highlights the diversity of gifts and charisma within the body of Christ. Every believer has been uniquely gifted by God, and it is important to operate in these gifts according to His grace.
It encourages us to embrace our specific gifts and use them to fulfill our role within the body of believers, serving with sincerity and joy.
1 Timothy 4:14
“Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.”
This verse emphasizes the responsibility to steward and develop the gifts of charisma that have been entrusted to us. We are encouraged not to neglect or disregard these abilities, but to cultivate and utilize them for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
It reminds us that our charisma should not be taken lightly, but should be nurtured and developed for God’s purposes.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
This well-known passage emphasizes that charisma, without love, is meaningless. Regardless of how impressive our gifts or abilities may be, they hold no value if they are not exercised in a spirit of love.
It challenges us to prioritize love as the foundation of our charisma and to ensure that our actions and motivations are rooted in genuine love for God and others.
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”
This verse reminds us that ultimately, our charisma and plans are subject to God’s sovereign will. While we may have our own ideas and ambitions, it is the Lord who directs and establishes our steps.
It encourages us to submit our charisma and plans to God, seeking His guidance and surrendering to His divine leading.
Acts 2:4
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
This verse highlights the charisma of speaking in tongues, which was bestowed upon the early believers on the day of Pentecost. This gift, enabled by the Holy Spirit, demonstrated His power and marked the beginning of the outpouring of the Spirit.
It reminds us that charismatic experiences should always be grounded in the work of the Holy Spirit and used to glorify God.
Romans 1:11
“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul expresses his desire to share his spiritual gifts, or charisma, with the believers in Rome. This demonstrates the concept of charisma being used to edify and strengthen fellow believers in their faith.
It encourages us to embrace our own charisma and use it to build up and encourage others in their spiritual journey.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
This verse presents the concept of charisma in the form of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. These qualities, produced by the Spirit’s work in our lives, manifest as charismatic displays of godly character.
It reminds us that charisma is not limited to supernatural abilities, but includes the transformation of our character to reflect Christ-likeness.
1 Corinthians 14:1
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.”
This verse encourages believers to eagerly desire spiritual gifts, including the charismatic gift of prophecy. However, it also highlights that love should be the guiding principle in the exercise of these gifts.
It reminds us that charisma should always be pursued and utilized in a manner that promotes love and builds up the body of Christ.
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
This verse emphasizes that every believer has received a gift, or charisma, from God. It further emphasizes that these gifts are meant to be used for the purpose of serving others and stewarding God’s grace.
It challenges us to recognize and utilize our unique charisma for the benefit of others and the advancement of God’s kingdom.
1 Corinthians 12:27-31
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.”
This passage emphasizes the diversity of charisma within the body of Christ. Just as each part of the physical body serves a unique purpose, every believer has been given specific charisma to fulfill their role in the church.
It encourages believers to eagerly desire and pursue the greater gifts, not for personal gain, but for the edification and unity of the body of Christ.
Mark 16:17-18
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
This passage lists various charismatic signs that will accompany those who believe in Jesus. These signs, given by the authority of His name, demonstrate the power and authority of God working through believers.
It reminds us that charismatic displays of power should always be used in alignment with God’s will and for His glory.
2 Timothy 1:6
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
This verse urges believers to actively stir up and develop the gift, or charisma, that has been given to them. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing and utilizing these abilities for the sake of God’s kingdom.
It challenges us to take responsibility for our charisma and to ensure that we are constantly growing and using it to impact others and honor God.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
“And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”
This passage highlights the apostle Paul’s humility and dependence on the power of the Holy Spirit, rather than his own charisma or persuasive abilities. He prioritized preaching the simple message of the gospel and allowing the Spirit to demonstrate His power.
It serves as a reminder that true charisma is not dependent on human eloquence or wisdom, but on the supernatural impact of God’s Spirit.
Acts 4:29-31
“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”
In this passage, believers prayed for boldness and the manifestation of charismatic signs and wonders through the name of Jesus. Their prayer was answered as they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
It demonstrates the connection between prayer, the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, and the exercise of charismatic gifts for the advancement of the gospel.
Acts 6:8
“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.”
This verse introduces Stephen, who was described as being full of God’s grace and power. His charisma was evidenced through the performance of great wonders and signs.
It illustrates the connection between living a life filled with God’s grace and receiving the empowerment to exercise charismatic gifts.