Gifts come in many forms, from talents to blessings, and the Bible encourages us to use them wisely. Today, let’s look at what Scripture says about gifts and how we can honor God with what we have been given.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About True Love
What Does The Bible Say About Gifts
Romans 12:6
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith”
This verse emphasizes that each believer has been given unique gifts by God’s grace. It encourages us to use these gifts in accordance with our faith, whether it be through prophecy or other forms of service.
Genuine faith should be accompanied by the use of spiritual gifts, and this verse reminds us of the importance of using our gifts for the edification and benefit of others.
1 Peter 4:10
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace”
Every believer has received a gift from God, and this verse instructs us to use these gifts to serve one another. We are called to be good stewards of the various graces that God has bestowed upon us.
Using our gifts to serve others not only demonstrates our gratitude towards God, but it also fosters unity and growth within the body of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-12
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ”
In this verse, we are reminded that God has appointed different roles and positions within the body of Christ. These include apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds (pastors), and teachers.
These individuals are bestowed with gifts and talents to equip the saints for ministry and to build up the body of Christ. This verse underscores the importance of diverse gifts and how they contribute to the overall growth and maturity of the Church.
1 Corinthians 12:7
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good”
This verse emphasizes the purpose behind the giving of spiritual gifts. Every believer receives manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s power, and these gifts are meant for the common good of the body of Christ.
Each gift is valuable and necessary within the context of the Church, and when used together, they contribute to the overall well-being and effectiveness of the community of believers.
1 Corinthians 12:8-10
“For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.”
This verse lists a variety of spiritual gifts that are distributed by the Holy Spirit. These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, the ability to discern spirits, speaking in tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.
God has purposefully bestowed different gifts upon believers, and this diverse array of talents contributes to the growth and functioning of the Church as a whole.
1 Corinthians 12:11
“All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.”
This verse emphasizes that all the spiritual gifts mentioned earlier are empowered by the Holy Spirit, who distributes these gifts individually as He desires. It is not our choice or merit that determines the gifts we receive, but rather it is according to God’s sovereign will.
This verse encourages believers to embrace and develop the gifts they have received, knowing that it is ultimately God’s plan for them to be utilized for His glory and the benefit of others.
1 Timothy 4:14
“Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you”
Timothy is exhorted in this verse to not neglect the spiritual gift he has received. The gift was imparted to him through a prophetic word and the laying on of hands by the council of elders.
This verse serves as a reminder for believers not to underestimate or disregard the spiritual gifts they have been given. Instead, they are encouraged to nurture and utilize them for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
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”
In this verse, Paul encourages Timothy to fan into flame the gift that God has given him. This gift was imparted to Timothy through the laying on of Paul’s hands.
Believers are called to stir up and develop the gifts they have received from God. It is through intentionally cultivating and using these gifts that they can fully contribute to the work of God’s kingdom.
James 1:17
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
This verse emphasizes that all good and perfect gifts come from God. Every gift we have, including spiritual gifts, is a result of God’s benevolence and unchanging nature.
We should be grateful for the gifts we have been given and recognize that they are ultimately a reflection of God’s character and provision in our lives.
1 Peter 4:11
“Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
This verse highlights the importance of using our gifts for God’s glory. Those who speak should do so as though they are speaking the very words of God, while those who serve should do so with the strength supplied by God.
When we use our gifts in a way that brings glory to God and points others to Jesus Christ, we fulfill our purpose and honor the One who has given us these gifts.
1 Corinthians 13:2
“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
This verse shows that even the possession of extraordinary spiritual gifts is meaningless without genuine love. Love is the foundation upon which the exercise of our spiritual gifts should be grounded.
Without love, our gifts become empty displays of power or knowledge. Therefore, love should permeate every aspect of our lives, including the expression and utilization of our gifts.
1 Corinthians 14:1
“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.”
This verse encourages believers to pursue love above all else while also desiring spiritual gifts. The gift of prophecy, in particular, is highlighted as one to be earnestly desired.
Love should be our ultimate pursuit, and the exercise of spiritual gifts should always be guided by that love. As we seek to serve others and build up the body of Christ, prophecy can play a significant role in speaking God’s truth and edifying the community of believers.
Proverbs 18:16
“A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before the great.”
This verse reminds us that our gifts have the potential to open doors of opportunity and favor. When we use our gifts faithfully and responsibly, they can lead to recognition and positions of influence.
It is important to steward our gifts well, using them to glorify God and serve others, trusting that He will make a way for us and grant us opportunities to make a lasting impact.
Matthew 10:8
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ commission to His disciples, instructing them to use their gifts to minister to others. They were given the authority to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, and cast out demons.
Believers today are also called to use their spiritual gifts to bring supernatural transformation in people’s lives, freely giving what they have received from God without expecting anything in return.
Romans 1:11
“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you”
In this verse, Paul expresses his desire to visit the believers in Rome so that he can impart a spiritual gift to them for their strengthening and edification.
God may use certain individuals to impart spiritual gifts or encourage the development of existing gifts in others, all for the purpose of building up the body of believers.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
This verse reminds us that when we use our gifts, we should do so with a wholehearted devotion, as though we are working directly for the Lord and not merely for human approval or recognition.
Our motivation should always come from the understanding that our ultimate reward and inheritance come from the Lord as we faithfully serve Him with the gifts He has given us.
Hebrews 2:4
“While God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”
In this verse, the writer of Hebrews reminds believers that God has borne witness to the truth of the Gospel through signs, wonders, miracles, and the distribution of spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit.
These gifts are evidence of God’s active presence and work in the world, showcasing His power and drawing people to faith in Him.
Romans 15:29
“I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.”
In this verse, Paul expresses his confidence that when he visits the believers in Rome, he will bring with him the fullness of the blessing of Christ. This implies that Paul’s presence and ministry would bring spiritual enrichment and edification to the believers.
Our spiritual gifts, when used in alignment with Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit, can also bring the fullness of Christ’s blessing to those we serve and interact with.
Acts 6:10
“But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.”
This verse refers to Stephen, one of the early disciples, and how he was filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit. His opponents were unable to resist the wisdom and power that accompanied his speaking.
When we operate in our spiritual gifts, we have access to God’s wisdom and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. This equips us to navigate challenges and effectively communicate the truth of the gospel.
John 14:12
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”
Jesus assures His disciples that those who believe in Him will not only do the works He did but even greater ones. This promise extends to believers today, who are equipped with spiritual gifts to carry out the work of Christ in the world.
By relying on the power of the Holy Spirit and exercising our gifts in obedience to God’s will, we can participate in and even surpass the impact of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Matthew 7:11
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
This verse reminds us of the generosity and goodness of our heavenly Father. Just as earthly parents delight in giving good gifts to their children, God is even more eager to bestow good things upon His children.
As we seek God and His will for our lives, including the use of our gifts, we can trust that He will faithfully provide and equip us to fulfill our calling and glorify Him.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
In this psalm of David, he praises God for fearfully and wonderfully creating him. He acknowledges the innate value and purpose behind God’s works, including his own unique gifts and abilities.
As recipients of divine gifts, we can join David in recognizing and celebrating God’s marvelous craftsmanship in forming us with particular giftings and callings.