“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to 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. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
The manifestation or miraculous gifts are somewhat different from the other gifts. Though all the spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Spirit, these gifts are seen when an incredible anointing of the Spirit is present.
Can these gifts be misused? Absolutely and they have been. So much so, that most Christians are very skeptical about these gifts and many do not believe that they are still evident in the Church today.
Can these gifts be faked? Absolutely and they have been. But that does not mean that these gifts are no longer for the body of Christ today. We as Christians need to use discernment and remember that all spiritual gifts should point to Christ and not another person or even the gift itself. All gifts should ultimately bring spiritual maturity and stability to the church body. They are meant to build up the body of Christ!
So, what are descriptions of these gifts?
Knowledge - This gift is seen when the Spirit supernaturally reveals facts about a person or situation. Knowledge can also be evident when a person is supernaturally empowered to memorize and recall Scripture. Cautions: The person with the gift of knowledge must always have love as a motive when speaking a word of knowledge to someone. The word of knowledge will not ever be in contradiction to the Word of God.
Wisdom - This gift is evident when a person gives specific direction on how to apply the Word of God or a word of knowledge. Cautions: It is often easy to confuse one's own opinion or feelings on a situation with a word of wisdom. Make sure that the word of wisdom is always judged by the Word of God.
Faith - Of course, without faith is impossible to please God or even have relationship with Him. However, people with the gift of faith have an unshakable confidence that their lives are in the hands of God. They are great prayer warriors and often have a childlike faith. Cautions: One must not assume that they always have an accurate reading on the will of God.
Healing - One with the gift of healing can either be the recipient of healing or an instrument of God's power to heal. This includes the healing of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual brokenness. Cautions: People with this gift must rely on God's method and timing of healing. They must be careful to remember that they are only distributors of healing, not the Source.
Miracles - This gift is evident when God decides to perform supernatural acts through an individual. Cautions: This gift should always bring glory to God and not an individual or the miracle itself. God is always the Source and the Giver!
Discernment - The person with this gift is able to distinguish the spirit behind a situation, a teaching, or a course of action. They are able to determine whether the spirit is God, human, or demonic. Cautions: People with this gift must be careful to not be impulsive in their judgement and to always make sure their intuition lines up with God's Word. Stay in tune with God!
Tongues/Interpretation - The gift of tongues is the special ability to speak in a language that is foreign to the speaker. The gift of interpretation is the ability to interpret a prayer spoken in tongues for the body of Christ. Cautions: Spiritual gifts are meant to edify and build up the body. People with these gifts need to be careful not to bring confusion and disorder.
Bottom line: If you have or operate in any of these gifts, be sure to stay in line with God's Word and in tune with Him! It is so important to understand the heart of God when you use any of these gifts. Finally, remember ALL spiritual gifts are meant to edify and strengthen the body of Christ.
So, what do you think? Have any of these gifts? Do you have any encouragement or cautions for others who exercise these gifts? Would love to hear your thoughts. P.S. Thanks for being gracious with me this week. Sorry this post is so late in the week.
Unwrapping the gifts of the Spirit,
Kelli
3 comments:
Very good job.
Excellent blog post...and well-stated, Kelli. I would also add that we should use much caution and love when using these gifts with someone whom we do NOT have an established relationship.
Thanks, Melanie.
Brent, you are so right about the importance of exercising caution and love when exercising these gifts with someone that we do not know well. Thanks for the insight!
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