12 GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Which Is Yours?
INTRODUCTION: GOD DID NOT SAVE YOU EMPTY-HANDED
When a person receives Jesus Christ, they receive forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. But God does not stop there. He also gives spiritual gifts—divine abilities empowered by the Holy Spirit—to equip believers for purpose, service, and impact.
Christianity is not meant to be powerless.
It is not meant to be silent.
It is not meant to be inactive.
Jesus promised power.
Acts 1:8 says:
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me…”
That power is expressed through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
These gifts are not rewards for spiritual elites.
They are not earned through works.
They are gracious endowments given by God to believers—according to His will—for the building of the Church and the glory of Christ.
This blog will help you:
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Understand the 12 gifts of the Holy Spirit
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Recognize how the Holy Spirit works through believers today
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Discern which gifts may be operating in your life
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Walk confidently in spiritual purpose without fear or confusion
As you read, ask the Holy Spirit to open your understanding.
You may discover that God has already placed more inside you than you realized.
WHAT ARE THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are supernatural empowerments given to believers by the Holy Spirit to serve God effectively and build up the Body of Christ.
They are primarily revealed in 1 Corinthians 12, with supporting insight from Romans 12 and Ephesians 4.
1 Corinthians 12:7 says:
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”
Key truth:
👉 Every believer receives at least one spiritual gift.
The question is not if you have a gift.
The question is which one—and are you walking in it?
WHY GOD GIVES SPIRITUAL GIFTS
God gives spiritual gifts for specific reasons:
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To glorify Jesus Christ
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To edify the Church
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To serve others
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To advance the Gospel
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To demonstrate God’s power on earth
Spiritual gifts are not for personal pride.
They are tools for service.
Without love, gifts lose their purpose.
That is why 1 Corinthians 13 is placed between chapters 12 and 14—love is the foundation.
THE 12 GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (EXPLAINED)
Below are the 12 commonly recognized gifts drawn from Scripture, explained clearly and biblically.
1. THE GIFT OF WISDOM
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:8
The gift of wisdom is the supernatural ability to apply divine truth to real-life situations.
This is not human intelligence.
It is God’s perspective in moments that require direction.
People with this gift often:
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Give timely counsel
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See consequences others miss
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Help resolve complex problems
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Bring peace and clarity
Biblical example: Solomon
This gift often operates in leadership, counseling, and decision-making.
2. THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:8
The gift of knowledge is the supernatural revelation of facts or information that could not be known naturally.
This gift often:
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Reveals hidden truths
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Exposes lies or spiritual roots
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Confirms God’s direction
Biblical example: Jesus with the Samaritan woman (John 4)
This gift is frequently seen in prayer, teaching, and prophetic ministry.
3. THE GIFT OF FAITH
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:9
This is not saving faith.
This is extraordinary faith—the ability to trust God completely in impossible situations.
People with this gift:
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Believe when others doubt
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Remain confident during crisis
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Inspire faith in others
Biblical example: Elijah
This gift often releases miracles.
4. THE GIFTS OF HEALING
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:9
This gift empowers believers to be instruments of God’s healing power—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Healing is not the believer’s power.
It is God’s compassion flowing through them.
Biblical example: Peter and John (Acts 3)
Healing glorifies God and confirms the Gospel.
5. THE WORKING OF MIRACLES
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:10
Miracles are supernatural acts that alter natural circumstances.
Examples include:
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Deliverance
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Provision
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Divine intervention
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Authority over nature
Biblical example: Jesus feeding the 5,000
Miracles point people to God’s sovereignty.
6. THE GIFT OF PROPHECY
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:10
Prophecy is speaking a message from God under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
New Testament prophecy:
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Encourages
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Edifies
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Comforts
(1 Corinthians 14:3)
It does not replace Scripture.
Biblical example: Agabus
7. DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:10
This gift allows believers to recognize whether a spiritual influence is from God, human nature, or demonic forces.
This gift protects the Church from deception.
Biblical example: Paul with the fortune-telling spirit (Acts 16)
8. DIFFERENT KINDS OF TONGUES
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:10
This gift enables a believer to speak in a language unknown to them, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Tongues can be:
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Personal prayer language
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Public message requiring interpretation
Biblical example: Pentecost (Acts 2)
9. INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:10
This gift allows a believer to interpret a message spoken in tongues so the Church may be edified.
It brings order and understanding.
10. THE GIFT OF SERVICE (HELPS)
Scripture: Romans 12:7
This gift empowers believers to serve joyfully behind the scenes.
These believers:
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Support ministry operations
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Meet practical needs
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Strengthen the Church silently
Biblical example: Martha, early deacons
11. THE GIFT OF TEACHING
Scripture: Romans 12:7
This gift enables clear explanation and application of Scripture.
Teachers help believers:
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Grow spiritually
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Understand doctrine
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Walk in truth
Biblical example: Apollos
12. THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT (EXHORTATION)
Scripture: Romans 12:8
This gift strengthens believers through words of hope, correction, and motivation.
Encouragers:
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Lift the discouraged
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Strengthen the weak
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Inspire perseverance
Biblical example: Barnabas
HOW TO KNOW WHICH GIFT IS YOURS
Ask yourself:
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What do people consistently affirm in me?
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What brings spiritual fruit when I do it?
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What do I feel compelled to do for God?
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What aligns with Scripture and love?
Pray.
Serve.
Observe.
Gifts are often discovered while serving, not waiting.
GIFTS MUST OPERATE IN LOVE
1 Corinthians 13 reminds us:
“Without love, I am nothing.”
Gifts without love cause division.
Love without gifts lacks power.
God desires both.
ACTIVATING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT
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Pray for guidance
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Study Scripture
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Walk in obedience
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Serve faithfully
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Remain humble
God activates gifts through surrendered hearts.
COMMON QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Are spiritual gifts still active today?
Yes. God has not changed.
Can gifts grow?
Yes, through faith and obedience.
Can I have more than one gift?
Yes.
PRAYER: DISCOVER YOUR GIFT
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humility, gratitude, and expectation. We thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, and we thank You for the precious Holy Spirit, who lives within us as our Helper, Teacher, Comforter, and Guide.
Father, we acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from You. Today, we open our hearts fully before You and ask that You awaken, reveal, and activate the gifts of the Holy Spirit that You have placed within us according to Your divine will.
Holy Spirit, we welcome You.
We honor You.
We submit ourselves to Your leading.
Where there is confusion, bring clarity.
Where there is fear, release boldness.
Where there is hesitation, stir holy obedience.
Where there is spiritual dryness, release fresh fire.
Lord, we ask for the gift of wisdom—to see life through Your eyes, to make decisions that honor You, and to walk in divine understanding beyond human reasoning. Teach us how to apply Your truth with humility and grace.
We ask for the gift of knowledge—that hidden things would be revealed according to Your will, not for pride, but for deliverance, healing, and direction. Let Your light expose what needs to be healed and restored.
We ask for the gift of faith—a supernatural confidence in You that refuses to bow to fear, doubt, or impossibility. Strengthen our trust in You, even when circumstances speak loudly against hope.
Father, we ask for the gifts of healing. Use us as vessels of Your compassion. Let the sick recover, the broken be restored, and the wounded find wholeness through the power of Jesus’ name.
We ask for the working of miracles. Step into situations that seem impossible. Make a way where there is no way. Let Your power be seen so that hearts may turn back to You.
We ask for the gift of prophecy—that Your voice would be released with clarity, truth, and love. Guard our hearts from error. Let every word spoken align with Scripture and point people to Jesus.
We ask for the discerning of spirits. Sharpen our spiritual senses. Protect us from deception. Help us recognize what is of You and what is not, so we may walk in wisdom and purity.
We ask for the gift of tongues as You will, for prayer, intercession, and spiritual strengthening. And where tongues are spoken publicly, release the interpretation so that the Church may be edified and built up in unity.
Lord, we thank You for the gifts of service, teaching, and encouragement. Strengthen those who serve faithfully behind the scenes. Anoint teachers to rightly divide the Word of truth. Empower encouragers to lift the weary and strengthen the weak.
Father, we surrender our gifts back to You.
Use us without pride.
Use us without fear.
Use us without compromise.
Purify our motives. Align our hearts. Let love be the foundation of everything we do, because without love, gifts lose their power.
Holy Spirit, fill us afresh.
Baptize us with boldness.
Ignite us with holy fire.
Let our lives bring glory to Jesus.
Let our service build the Church.
Let our obedience advance the Kingdom of God.
We declare that we are willing vessels.
We are available.
We are surrendered.
And we trust You completely.
We seal this prayer in the mighty, matchless, and powerful name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
CONCLUSION: YOU ARE GIFTED ON PURPOSE
God did not save you to sit idle.
He saved you to serve.
You are gifted.
You are called.
You are empowered.
The Church needs what God placed in you.
Which gift is yours?
📌 Published by JESUS THE WAY DAILY
Teaching believers to walk in truth, power, and purpose.
