ABOUT THE GIFTS
The motivational gifts outlined in Romans 12:6-8 collectively represent the different strengths and qualities inherent in individuals within the body of Christ. These gifts can be used for both speaking (prophesying, teaching, exhorting, and ruling) and doing (serving, giving, and compassion) aspects, emphasizing unity in diversity for the purpose of service within the church community. Recognizing the intentional design by God, believers are encouraged to embrace their unique gifts, fostering a harmonious environment where each person's contributions complement and support others. By using these gifts together, we can contribute to the overall health and functionality of the church and community.
Romans 12:6-8
6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
There are Three Categories of Gifts that are Mentioned in the Bible:
(1) Gifts We Are Born With (Motivational Gifts)
The Bible, in Romans 12:6-8, identifies seven motivational gifts believed to be inherent to an individual's personality and disposition. These gifts include prophecy, teaching, exhorting, serving, giving, ruling, and compassion.
(2) Gifts Given by the Holy Spirit
According to 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, the Holy Spirit bestows various gifts upon believers for the edification of the Church and community. These gifts include word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, diverse kinds of tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
1 Corinthian 12:4-11
4There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10to 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. 11But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
(3) Gifts Given to the Body of Christ by Christ Himself
Ephesians 4:11-13 mentions gifts given by Christ for the equipping of the saints and the building up of the body. These gifts include apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.
Ephesians 4:11-13
11And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the [e]edifying of the body of Christ, 13till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Motivational gifts can be either Speaking Gifts or Doing Gifts:
The seven motivational gifts mentioned in Romans 12:6-8 can be put into two groups:
Speaking Gifts:
Prophesying/Perceiving: Proclaiming the message of God with boldness and clarity.
Using "perceiving" in place of "prophesying," is our attempt to avoid confusion and highlight the more general use of the gift that would encompass a broader community of people who do not hold the office of the prophet.
Teaching: Explaining and applying the Scriptures effectively.
Exhorting: Uplifting and motivating others, providing comfort and support.
Ruling: Providing vision, direction, and organization, guiding and influencing others effectively.
Doing Gifts:
Serving: Meeting the practical needs of others in tangible ways.
Giving: Sharing resources generously and sacrificially.
Compassion: Demonstrating mercy and empathy, extending grace and support to those in need.
The Bible Tells us to Use our Gifts to Serve Each Other.
1 Peter 4:10-11 encourages believers to use their unique gifts to serve one another. The goal is to contribute to the well-being and growth of the body of Christ by actively employing these gifts for the benefit of the community.
Understanding and identifying our unique gifts is crucial for personal growth and development. It is essential to utilize these gifts and talents to make a positive impact on our communities and the world. By serving others with our gifts, we contribute to a better and healthier society, and we also experience fulfillment and joy in our lives.
It is crucial to note that these gifts are not meant to be kept to ourselves but shared with others. When we share our gifts, we create a ripple effect that can inspire others to use their gifts too. Moreover, by using our gifts in service to others, we become channels of God's love and grace to the world.
Lastly, let us identify our unique gifts, use them to serve others, and make a positive impact on the world. Let us embrace our gifts, not for personal gain, but to benefit others and bring glory to the Kingdom of God.