Introduction to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

I recently shared a message called “The Gifts of the Holy Spirit,” in which I spoke about each gift and how it works. However, I also want to share how each spiritual gift has a valuable place in the body of Christ.

Diversity of Gifts and Unity in the Body

I Corinthians 12:4-7 says, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” The manifestation of the Spirit is given for all—not just for my benefit or yours.

Specific Spiritual Gifts

In I Corinthians 12:8-11, we read: “For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

Unity in Diversity within the Body of Christ

This chapter goes on to compare the Christian church to the human body. Just as our bodies need eyes to see and feet to walk—different parts which do different things—the body of Christ needs different people. “But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body” (I Corinthians 12:18-20).

Mutual Respect and Honor in the Body

All members of the body of Christ are meant to work together, even if some are stronger than others. If you know someone who has walked through shame or mistakes, don’t participate in hurting or ridiculing them. I Corinthians 12:22-25 describes how we are to “bestow great honor” even on “members of the body which we think to be less honorable.” Carnal humanity’s normal reaction is to do the opposite, but when someone is repentant after having done something dishonorable, we should honor them.

Importance of Every Spiritual Gift

Just as all parts of the body of Christ are important, all the gifts of the Spirit are important. I Corinthians 12:28 says, “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongue.” Everyone’s gifts may not involve a microphone, but we can all assist the church.

The Role of Love in Empowering Spiritual Gifts

Think of the Holy Spirit like electricity. Electricity goes through an entire house empowering all its appliances. What we have in common with those appliances is we cannot operate in spiritual gifts without being plugged into the power source. I Corinthians 13 tells us our power source, or what causes God to entrust and empower us with spiritual gifts, is love.

Love as the Source of Spiritual Gifts

I Corinthians 13:1-3 says, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” Though we may “speak with the tongues of men and of angels,” our gifts need God’s perfect love to empower them. So, spiritual gifts without God’s true love in operation are incomplete. Love is the source from which all the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit originate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit stand as a testament to the boundless grace and generosity of our heavenly Father. They are not mere abilities or talents but divine endowments, bestowed upon His children for the fulfillment of His purposes. May we, as recipients of these precious gifts, steward them with diligence and humility, always mindful of their ultimate source – the Spirit of God.