Definitions of Spiritual Gifts


A spiritual gift is an extra ability given by the Holy Spirit to accomplish a ministry. Every Christian has at least one gift, and it's possible to have several-although one may be dominant. All the gifts should operate in love for the glory of God.

Administration-1 Cor. 12:28 The gift of organizing people and/or assignments. A person with this gift enjoys planning and coordinating. People who like paperwork may have this gift.

Apostle-Eph. 4:11 Means "one who is sent." There are at least 19 apostles mentioned in the New Testament. This gift would include missionaries and church-planters.

Discerning of Spirits-1 Cor. 12:10 The ability to discern evil spirits and when deception is taking place.

Evangelist-Eph. 4:11 Means "one who proclaims the good news." A person with this gift has a passion for sharing the gospel and seeing people saved.

Exhortation-Rom. 12:8 The gift of encouraging and strengthening another person. It is not flattery, but is the ability to draw out the positive qualities in a person.

Faith-1 Cor. 12:9 A supernatural ability to trust in God, usually during a time when circumstances look bleak.

Giving-Rom. 12:8 This person loves to give from their own financial resources and otherwise. Extends generosity above and beyond normal giving. A person with this gift may or may not be wealthy, but finds joy and ecstasy in giving to God's work.

Healing-1 Cor. 12:9 "Gifts of healings" means the ability to pray for those who need restoration from physical, mental, and/or spiritual illnesses.

Helps-1 Cor. 12:28 Wanting to help others in need. This is very close to the gift of service, but the motivation is to help the person in need rather than the job to be done.

Hospitality-1 Pet. 4:9-10 This is the gift of welcoming others. People with this gift like to open their homes for guests, prepare meals, and are highly involved in fellowshipping with other believers.

Leading-Rom. 12:8 The gift of taking a group of people to a destination to help them grow in their faith.

Mercy-Rom. 12:8 An ability to comfort and care for those who are hurting. A person with this gift can listen to other's problems and empathize with them.

Miracles-1 Cor. 12:10 A supernatural enabling of power over natural laws in a specific situation.

Pastor-Eph. 4:11 Like being a shepherd, this is the gift of feeding, protecting, and leading the flock in God's will.

Prophecy-Eph. 4:11 The gift of speaking a message from God for edification, exhortation, and consolation (1 Cor. 14:3).

Service-Rom. 12:7 Wanting to serve God in any job that needs to be done, large or small. This gift is similar to "helps" but is more task-oriented.

Teaching-1 Cor. 12:28-29 The ability to communicate the truth of God's Word to other believers. Teachers love to study and explain Scripture. God will equip teachers in various ways. Some people are good at communicating with children, others at teaching youth, and others teaching adults. Some can teach in small group settings, while others are gifted to speak to larger groups.

Tongues-1 Cor. 12:10 The ability to pray to God in a language that you haven't learned. Although some people have this gift, it is not proof of being filled with the Holy Spirit or salvation. Paul preferred this gift to be in private and not during a church service (1 Cor. 14:19).

Interpretation of Tongues-1 Cor. 12:10 The ability to interpret a message or prayer spoken in tongues.

Word of Knowledge-1 Cor. 12:8 God reveals information to you that can help another person. Sharing this information encourages the hearer.

Word of Wisdom-1 Cor.12:8 God gives supernatural insight for a specific situation, which is shared with the person dealing with a problem.

Other Gifts-The Holy Spirit may give you other abilities that are not listed above. Paul said that his singleness was a gift from God, that is, he had no desire to be married and was perfectly content (1 Cor. 7:7-8).
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