What is your special ability? I like how Paul starts off this section of his letter, recognizing that the Corinthians had questions about the spiritual gifts they had been given by the Holy Spirit. Maybe you have the same question! Paul wanted to avoid any misunderstanding so that the gifts would be used as the Spirit intended. One key thing to remember is why we’re given these gifts in the first place. “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”
Did you recognize your gift from those Paul describes? This is not an exhaustive list of all the abilities God gives us to help each other. Paul gives examples of other Spirit-given abilities in Romans 12:6–8, Ephesians 4:11-13, and 1 Peter 4:10–11, to name a few. All the gifts are important. Isn’t it cool that only the Holy Spirit decides what gift is right for each of us?
Sometimes we go through life not realizing why we’ve been gifted in certain ways. Keep in mind not all giftings are spiritual gifts. Just because we’re good at something, like playing sports, for example, doesn’t mean it’s a spiritual gift. We can easily tell the difference between our strengths and our gifts by realizing how we use them. Are we using them to build up the body of Christ or ourselves?
To help us understand more completely, Paul explains what is meant by the body of Christ. What a brilliant example to describe how we belong. We understand how our own human body works in terms of what our eyes do, our limbs do, and our innards do. As believers, our spiritual gifts help us “do” or play at least one role to strengthen the body of Christ.
Jesus’ physical body no longer walks on earth, but as believers, we all represent some part of him as we navigate our daily lives. How does that make you feel? You are part of the body of Christ, and your spiritual gift has been given for a special purpose of helping the rest of the body.
I like verse 18, which says, “But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it.” We are not simply accidents of nature. God intended for us to have the attributes we have. Likewise, the Holy Spirit gave us gifts, and we find ourselves in the perfect location for using those gifts. For me, one of my gifts is teaching, and God has used me over the years to teach Sunday School at all the churches we served, and now to teach the orphan girls about Jesus.
When we use our gifts to help others, it’s miraculous. We finally feel like we are doing exactly what we’re supposed to be doing. If you’re not sure what gift you have or how to use it, leave a comment and reach out to me. My husband designed a Spiritual Gifts Inventory many years ago, and it is the best tool I’ve seen for self-discovery. I’d caution you against the random ones you find on the internet. Most are focused only on a few gifts or more on strengths, which are not always meant for spiritual purposes.
You can also ask God to reveal to you what your gift is. You may be given more than one; I never want to put limits on what the Holy Spirit does. So, ask, show your gratitude, and then use your gifts to help others and be blessed yourself.
Let’s pray. Holy Spirit, I come to you with thanksgiving for how you have gifted me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share this gift and help others in the Body of Christ the way you knew I would. I continue to look to you for guidance and direction as I use my gifts. Help me to see the ways I can help others, especially those who are struggling to know you and your great love for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
