Everyone Has a Spiritual Gift

It’s easy to think you may not be “gifted,” especially when you compare yourself to others. Perhaps you have a friend who sings on a stage. Or, you follow a pastor with a powerful platform. Maybe a family member leads a Bible study. If you aren’t doing anything like these people, you may feel like you must not have much to offer, right?

The fact is, if you belong to Jesus, you have a spiritual gift. “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” 

Just like your fingerprint, a gift is unique. God had gifts specifically planned for you before you were created. If you have doubts about this, you’re not alone. I can relate because I’ve had “imposter syndrome” for most of my life and haven’t felt like I’ve been exceptional at anything. I’ve been a professional writer for 20 years now, for example, but still don’t feel qualified to even write this article.

But God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called. And he often reveals our calling and spiritual gifts through others. This is partly how I discovered my gifts of encouragement and wisdom. On one occasion, the lead pastor at my church told me my name should be Barnabas, because I’m “an encourager.” On another occasion, another pastor told staff members that I’m a great resource for wisdom and advice.

As these gifts became more and more apparent, I began walking in my calling the best way I knew how…and let God handle the rest.

Here are some spiritual gifts and tips for how to find yours and help others discover their gifts.

Types of Spiritual Gifts

Scripture mentions many kinds of spiritual gifts, and many may think that the Fruit of the Spirit covered in Galatians 5:22-23 lists all of them. The spiritual gifts we’re talking about today are related to your calling, potential and the plans God has for you.

Here are some common types of spiritual gifts:

• Teaching: explaining God’s truth in a way others can understand.
• Encouragement: lifting others up when they feel defeated.
• Hospitality: creating space where people feel loved and seen.
• Mercy: showing deep compassion to those who are hurting.
• Generosity: joyfully sharing what you have to meet others’ needs.
• Wisdom: helping others make godly decisions.
• Faith: trusting God even when the path isn’t clear.
• Leadership: guiding others toward a shared vision rooted in Christ.

Whatever your gifting is, it matters. The body of Christ needs all its parts to work together. So, the big question now is, how do you find yours?

Finding Your Spiritual Gifts

You can wonder about your spiritual gift all you want, but finding it involves more than just imagination. Stay curious and open to God’s leading, of course, but begin taking practical steps to discover your specific spiritual gifts:

• Pray for insight. Ask God to reveal how his Spirit has uniquely equipped you.
• Pay attention to joy. What makes you happy when you serve? Oftentimes, your spiritual gift aligns with where you feel most fulfillment in helping others.
• Listen to feedback. Others can sometimes see your gifts better than you can! Pay attention to what they say and the compliments they give you.
• Start serving. Take the first step! Try new things. See where God makes your spiritual strengths clear by getting in the trenches.

Discovering your gift isn’t about proving your worth — it’s about recognizing how God already wants to work through you.

Helping Others Find Their Giftings

Living Second is all about helping others see the ways God has gifted them. The Church thrives when everyone plays their part. So encourage others when they show signs of a spiritual gift. Make a space for others to serve. Celebrate diversity and, instead of comparing, cheer each other on as you all pursue God’s work.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

Everyone has a spiritual gift, including you. Ask God to reveal it, then use it boldly and encourage others to do the same.