“For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established” Romans 1:11 (KJV).
Natural gifts are imparted at birth. As one grows up to recognize or identify these gifts and develop them, they become skills that could make way for one and bring one to greatness and prominence. Spiritual gifts are imparted into the recreated spirit for service in the kingdom. They may be imparted by laying on of hands or by mentorship. Apostle Paul longed to see the Roman believers so he can impart unto them some spiritual gifts. He was so gifted that his ministry was so fruitful and impactful.
Spiritual gifts come with the Holy Spirit at the baptism of the Holy Spirit. As a believer receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and opens up or releases himself to the infilling and outpouring, the Holy Spirit will then manifest the gifts as he pleases. Believers are encouraged to desire spiritual gifts beyond the initial evidence of speaking in unknown tongues.
Spiritual gifts can be classified into:
Revelation gifts: The gifts that see something namely:
Word of knowledge
Word of wisdom
Discerning of spirit
Power gifts: The gifts that do something namely:
Gift of faith
Gift of healings
Working of miracles
Inspiration gifts or utterance gifts: The gifts that say something namely:
Divers kinds of tongue
Interpretation of tongues
Prophecy
There are diversities of gifts but the same spirit and there are differences of administration but the same Lord and there are diversities of operation but the same God. The manifestation of the spirit is given to everyone to profit in kingdom service. (1Corinthians 12:7)
Note that they are called gifts, they are not earned, and they are not proof of superiority or measure of spirituality. You can desire any of these gifts and believe God for it. There are prophets and evangelist, gift of administration, gift of giving, gift of showing mercy, gift of exhortation. All these are given to the body of Christ for effective service to the kingdom. Your Christian service becomes more fruitful as you discover and develop your gift.
Prayer: Lord, help me to develop my gifts for more fruitful kingdom service. In Jesus Name.
Rev. Vincent Diolu