WHY DO SOME PEOPLE HAVE ONLY ONE GIFT WHILE OTHERS HAVE SEVERAL GIFTS?

First, remember that gifts are given according to the Holy Spirit’s discernment (1 Cor. 12:11,18). In His omniscience, He knows exactly what gift(s) would be just right for you and the church body you are in. God gives the gifts in the right proportions as He deems best which means we do not have to feel envious or cheated (see 1 Cor. 4:7 and context). Second, realize that it is due to grace that we have spiritual gifts, not because we earn or merit them. We are all on the same plane. The person with one gift has that gift because of God’s grace. The person with many gifts has those gifts because of God’s grace. It is not a competitive or comparison issue. It is a matter of trusting God to have made you and equipped you with just what you need to do the work He has for you.

IF ALL BELIEVERS HAVE AT LEAST ONE GIFT, WHY DON’T THEY EVIDENCE IT?

The reasons could be many, including ignorance about spiritual gifts and God’s design for the body (1 Cor. 12:1), disobedience (1 Peter 4:10-11), neglect (1 Tim. 4:14), not in fellowship with the Lord (John 15:4-5), failure to develop their gift (2 Tim. 1:6), or lack of love which exhibits itself in self-centeredness (John 21:15-17; also compare John 14:15 with Gal. 5:13).

Of the reasons listed above, what do you think is the most common reason some people in our fellowship don’t use their spiritual gifts?

Again as you read these next two gift descriptions, list some people within our church who you believe exhibit these gifts.

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Spiritual Gift: Leadership

Definition: The gift of Leadership is the God-given ability to cast vision, motivate, and direct people to harmoniously accomplish the purpose of God.

Scriptural Reference(s): Rom. 12:8, 1 Tim. 5:17, Heb. 13:17

Distinctives of this gift: 

• Motivate others to perform to the best of their abilities.
• Take responsibility and establish goals.
• Provide direction for God’s people or ministry.

Traits of this person: Influential, Visionary, Persuasive, Motivating, Goal-setter

Potential Ministry Involvement: Small Group Leader, Board/Committee Chairperson, Teaching Leader, Youth/Children’s Leader

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Spiritual Gift: Mercy

Definition: The gift of Mercy is the God-given ability to feel deeply for those in physical, spiritual, or emotional need and then act to meet that need.

Scriptural Reference(s): Rom. 12:8, Mark 9:41, Matt. 25:34-40

Distinctives of this gift: 

• Focuses on alleviating the sources of pain or discomfort in suffering people.
• Concern themselves with individual or social issues that oppress people.
• Address the needs of the lonely and forgotten.

Traits of this person: Empathetic, Caring, Responsive, Kind, Compassionate, Sensitive, Burden-bearing

Potential Ministry Involvement: Hospital/Shut-In Visitation, Nursery Worker, Homeless Ministry, Food Pantry Worker