7/6/25 Commissioned By The Holy Spirit (Spiritual Gifts, Description, & Scripture Reference)

The Bible describes a wide range of spiritual gifts, given by the Holy Spirit to equip and build up the Body of Christ. These gifts empower believers to serve, minister, and strengthen the church in diverse and powerful ways. Each gift has a distinct purpose and function, working together to reveal God’s love, power, and wisdom to the world. Below is an overview of these spiritual gifts, supported by key Scripture references and a brief description of their role in the life of a believer and the broader church community.

The gift of prophecy (Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10) involves speaking messages inspired by God to edify, exhort, or comfort others. Teaching (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28) is the ability to explain God’s Word with clarity and accuracy so that others can understand and apply biblical truth. The gift of exhortation, or encouragement (Romans 12:8), motivates and strengthens others in their walk with God. Leadership, or governance (Romans 12:8), provides direction, organization, and oversight to ministries, guiding them toward their purpose. Giving (Romans 12:8) is the grace to provide resources generously to advance God’s Kingdom, while mercy (Romans 12:8) shows deep compassion and practical care to those who are hurting or in need. The gift of serving, also called helps (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28), supports others through practical assistance, enabling the ministry to flourish.

The gift of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9) demonstrates extraordinary confidence in God’s power and promises, inspiring trust and boldness. Healing (1 Corinthians 12:9) is God working through someone to bring physical, emotional, or spiritual restoration. The gift of miracles (1 Corinthians 12:10) empowers God’s supernatural acts through believers to display His glory. Discernment of spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10) allows someone to distinguish between true and false spiritual influences, protecting the church from deception. Tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10) is the ability to speak in unknown languages through the Spirit, while the interpretation of tongues (1 Corinthians 12:10) enables understanding and application of those messages for the benefit of the congregation. The word of wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:8) offers divine insight and solutions for complex situations, and the word of knowledge (1 Corinthians 12:8) reveals truth or information beyond one’s natural understanding through the Spirit.

In addition, apostleship (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11) is the pioneering and establishing of new works for the Gospel, breaking new ground in ministry. Finally, the gift of pastoring, or shepherding (Ephesians 4:11), nurtures, protects, and cares for a congregation with love and guidance, ensuring its spiritual health and unity. Altogether, these gifts form a beautiful mosaic of the Holy Spirit’s work within the church, equipping believers to advance God’s mission on the earth.