1 Corinthians 12:8-11

“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.’

God is completely involved with the giving, using, and empowering of the gifts. God creates a unique place in the body for every believer. It is through the gifts that the body of Christ is uplifted. Although all Christians have faith, there are some who have an unusual gift of faith and confidence in the power of God. The gift of prophecy does not only mean the prediction of the future; it can also mean giving a message received from God to the community of the church. The gift of tongues is one that differs over exactly what is meant by that gift. Some believe that it refers to this as speaking in known tongues of the world, different languages. Others believe this refers to it as a heavenly language given as a special way to communicate with God. Speaking in tongues does have some guidelines as noted in 1 Corinthians 14, so that the purpose of the gift – is not lost in the church. This is not a gift to seek to establish salvation, or special closeness to God. The gift is given to whom the Spirit choses and we should not worry about it if we do not have this gift. What are your gifts?

Dear God, thank you for giving me spiritual gifts. Help me to use them to build up the church and not for my own gain. Give me your wisdom and discernment on how to use them and what they are. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.