The gifts of the Spirit, also known as spiritual gifts or charisms, are special abilities bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon Christians for the building up of the Church and the glorification of God. They are not earned, but graciously given according to God’s will (1 Corinthians 12:11). It’s important to remember that all gifts are valuable, and none are inherently “better” than others. Their purpose is to equip believers for service and ministry.
Administration
The gift of administration is the divine strength or ability to organize multiple tasks and groups of people to accomplish these tasks.
Luke 14:28-30; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Corinthians 12:28
Apostleship
The gift of apostleship is the divine strength or ability to pioneer new churches and ministries through planting, overseeing, and training.
Acts 15:22-35; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Galatians 2:7-10; Ephesians 4:11-14
Discernment
The gift of discernment is the divine strength or ability to spiritually identify falsehood, to distinguish between right and wrong motives and the spiritual forces at work in situations.
Matthew 16:21-23; Acts 5:1-11, 16:16-18; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 John 4:1-6
Evangelism
The gift of evangelism is the divine strength or ability to help non-Christians take the necessary steps to becoming a born-again Christian.
Acts 8:5-6, 8:26-40, 14:21, 21:8; Ephesians 4:11-14
Exhortation
The gift of exhortation is the divine strength or ability to strengthen, comfort, mentor, or urge others to action through the written or spoken word and Biblical truth.
Acts 14:22; Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:24-25
Faith
The gift of faith is the divine strength or ability to believe in God for unseen supernatural results in every arena of life.
Acts 11:22-24; Romans 4:18-21; 1 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 11
Giving
The gift of giving is the divine strength or ability to produce wealth and to give by tithes and offerings for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom of God on earth.
Mark 12:41-44; Romans 12:8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 9:2-7
Hospitality
The gift of hospitality is the divine strength or ability to create warm, welcoming environments for others in places such as your home, office, or church.
Acts 16:14-15; Romans 12:13, 16:23; Hebrews 13:1-2; 1 Peter 4:9
Word of Knowledge
The gift of knowledge is the divine strength or ability to bring truth to a specific situation by a spontaneous supernatural revelation from the Holy Spirit. This is often accompanied by a word from God.
John 14:26; Luke 12:12; 1 Corinthians 2:10-12; Acts 5:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:8; Colossians 2:2-3
Leadership
The gift of leadership is the divine strength or ability to influence people at their level while directing and focusing them on the big picture, vision, or idea.
Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 3:1-13, 5:17; Hebrews 13:17
Mercy
The gift of mercy is the divine strength or ability to feel empathy and to care for those who are hurting in any way.
Matthew 9:35-36; Mark 9:41; Romans 12:8; 1 Thess. 5:14
Pastor/Shepherd
The gift of pastor/shepherd is the divine strength or ability to care for the personal needs of others by nurturing and mending life issues.
John 10:1-18; Ephesians 4:11-14; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 5:1-3
Prophecy
The gift of prophecy is the divine strength or ability to communicate God’s truth and heart in a way that calls people to a right relationship with God.
Acts 2:37-40, 7:51-53, 26:24-29; 1 Corinthians 14:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:5
Service/Helps
The gift of serving is the divine strength or ability to do small or great tasks in working for the overall good of the body of Christ. To work in a supportive role for the accomplishment of tasks in Christian ministry with the ability to often see the need before others do.
Acts 6:1-7; Romans 12:7; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 1:16-18; Titus 3:14 Mark 15:40-41; Acts 9:36; Romans 16:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:28
Teaching
The gift of teaching is the divine strength or ability to study and learn from the Scriptures primarily to bring understanding and depth to other Christians.
Acts 18:24-28, 20:20-21; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-14
Word of Wisdom
The gift of wisdom is the divine strength or ability to understand and to bring clarity to situations and circumstances often through applying the truths of Scripture in a practical way.
Acts 6:3,10; 1 Corinthians 2:6-13, 12:8
Healing
The gift of healing is the divine strength or ability to act as an intermediary in faith, prayer, and by the laying-on of hands for the healing of physical, mental and spiritual sickness.
Acts 3:1-10, 9:32-35, 28:7-10; 1 Corinthians 12:9, 28
Intercession
The gift of intercession is the divine strength or ability to stand in the gap in prayer for someone, something, or someplace, believing for profound results.
Hebrews 7:25; Colossians 1:9-12, 4:12-13; James 5:14-16
Miracles
The gift of miracles is the divine strength or ability to alter the natural outcomes of life in a supernatural way through prayer, faith, and divine direction.
Acts 9:36-42, 19:11-12, 20:7-12; Romans 15:18-19; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 28
Tongues (and Interpretation)
The gift of tongues is the divine strength or ability to pray in a heavenly language to encourage your spirit and to commune with God. The gift of tongues is often accompanied by interpretation and should be used appropriately.
Acts 2:1-13; 1 Corinthians 12:10, 14:1-14