The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: What Are They?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are special abilities that the Spirit gives to Christians to build up the church. According to the Bible, there are at least 17 main gifts. They include wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, speaking in different tongues, interpretation of tongues, teaching, evangelism, helping others, serving, administration, encouragement, generosity, leadership, and showing compassion. These gifts must be used with love for the common good and the glory of God.

All Christians have at least one gift, and the Holy Spirit distributes the gifts as He wills: “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines” (1 Corinthians 12:11). However, the Bible also tells us that we can desire other gifts and encourages us to ask for them (1 Corinthians 12:31).

In the Bible, we find three main lists of spiritual gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, 28; Romans 12:6–8; and Ephesians 4:7–13.

1. Wisdom

Goes beyond human wisdom. It is the ability to know what to say or do in a specific situation according to God’s will.

2. Knowledge

Knowing or receiving a revelation about a person or situation without having obtained the information through natural means.

3. Faith

Complete trust in God’s promises that does not waver in the face of adversity. It goes beyond the normal faith all Christians have.

4. Gifts of Healing

Praying for those who are physically or emotionally ill and having the ability to bring God’s healing power into their lives.

5. Miraculous Powers

Performing signs and wonders beyond natural laws to demonstrate God’s presence and power in a specific situation.

6. Prophecy

The gift of prophecy is the ability to communicate a direct message from God to edify, exhort, or comfort others.

7. Distinguishing Between Spirits

The ability to discern what kind of spirit is operating in a situation and whether it comes from God or not.

8. Speaking in Different Tongues

The ability to speak a language without having studied it, to communicate the message of the gospel. There is also the gift of angelic tongues—words understood only by God—for personal edification and special communion with Him.

9. Interpretation of Tongues

The ability to understand and communicate a message that was given in tongues, in a language understood by those present.

10. Teaching

A special ability to clearly communicate the truths of the gospel and instruct other Christians in God’s Word.

11. Evangelism

Shares the message of salvation in an appealing and relevant way with those who have not yet received God’s forgiveness.

12. Helping Others, Serving

A special sensitivity to the needs of others and a strong desire to do everything possible to lighten their burden.

13. Administration

Able to organize things or activities, enjoys planning, directing, and managing.

14. Encouragement

Gives words of encouragement or motivation at just the right time. Has a positive outlook based on God’s promises.

15. Giving Generously (Helping Those in Need)

Loves sharing resources (time, talent, and money) with others, especially those who are suffering and those who bring the gospel to other places.

16. Leadership, Guidance

A special ability to lead others and help them grow in their walk with Jesus. Finds joy in caring for and spiritually nurturing those God places under their care.

17. Showing Compassion

Special love, genuine mercy toward those in need, and the ability to empathize deeply with them.

What Are Spiritual Gifts For?

God gives them to His children to equip them to work together for the growth of the Church. They are to be used with unity of purpose, for the common good. The main desire should always be for Christ to be glorified.

Spiritual gifts are not given to us as a reward for our spirituality. God freely gives them so that we may serve our brothers and sisters and encourage one another in our walk with Jesus. When we use them properly, we demonstrate that God is truly at work in our lives and that He is the one guiding us.

God empowers us to carry out His work in this world through spiritual gifts. The church is more effective and functions better when all its members use their gifts. Otherwise, it’s like when we have a toothache or can’t use a hand—our body doesn’t function properly, and we are less efficient. In the same way, the church suffers and limps when its members neglect or misuse the gifts God has given them.

How Should We Use the Gifts?

It’s interesting to note that the three main chapters about spiritual gifts all emphasize the themes of love and unity among believers. This clearly shows that gifts should be used with love and with the desire to build up and benefit the church. Otherwise, they will not fulfill the purpose for which God has given them.

It is important to value the gifts God has given us—and the gifts He has given others. All gifts are necessary for the healthy functioning of the church, and no gift should be looked down upon. Whatever gift God has entrusted to you, be thankful and use it faithfully. Serve God with joy and allow Him to work in your life and in the lives of others through your gifts.

List of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

• Wisdom
• Knowledge
• Faith
• Gifts of Healing
• Miraculous Powers
• Prophecy
• Distinguishing Between Spirits
• Speaking in Different Tongues
• Interpretation of Tongues
• Teaching
• Evangelism
• Helping Others
• Administration
• Encouragement
• Generosity
• Leadership
• Showing Compassion

Other Articles to Learn More About the Holy Spirit:

• The Fruit of the Spirit: Understand What It Is and How It Can Transform Your Life
• The Holy Spirit: Who Is He, What Does He Do And How To Know Him?
• The Power of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives (Bible Study)
• The Acts of the Flesh and the Fruit of the Spirit (Bible Study)