What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

Unlike the fruits of the spirit such as love, joy, peace, gentleness, and goodness, which are compact, and point to examples of Christian character to be emulated, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are specialized, foundational skills that God in his infinite wisdom gifts to select children of God for whom he has a special calling. An example would be prophecy.

Guidance on these gifts and how they are given is found in first Corinthians 12:4-11.

There are a diversity of gifts. The manifestation of the Spirit given to each one for the profit or benefit of all: for one there is the word of wisdom… to another the word of knowledge… to another the gifts of healings… the working of miracles. In addition to these, there are the gifts of compassion, helps, administration, hospitality, teaching and even speaking in tongues for a few. One and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing each one individually as He wills.

Finally, the purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church as Christ’s body on earth. So, spiritual gifts are actually given for the common good of the church. To thrive, the church needs many attributes just like the human body requires many attributes to function effectively. God in his infinite wisdom gives different people special spiritual gifts at certain times so that the church can complete its mission before Jesus returns.

Jesus is coming back for his church. Are you ready? Do you know Him? Jesus is the only way to heaven and eternal life. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a Christ-follower, check out my May 5th post: How does One become a Christian. I also encourage you to consider these passages of scripture:

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

1 John 5:11-12