-I Corinthians 12:4-7- Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]… 

When Jesus ascended, He gave gifts to His people (Eph. 4:8). Spiritual gifts are the dynamo of the community of Christ-followers. They have one purpose: “So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church” (1 Cor. 14:12). When each person uses their spiritual gifts, people get better, stronger, and everybody wins. The best way to discover your spiritual gifts is to let your gifts find you.

Spiritual gifts will find you when you get engaged in the lives of others. God loves to steer a moving “boat,” even if it fearfully leaves the dock without knowing exactly where it’s going. When you get moving, you’ll find two things: 1. You get pulled along with a gift that lifts others. 2. Other people will, in time, recognize and affirm those gifts as they lift the lives of those around you.

When your gifts find you, it creates a powerful combination of self-discovery and affirmation. God can and will guide you to your true calling as you engage with a community of Christ-followers and see how He uses you to help others discover their gifts. In this context of helping others, your own gift is confirmed. Gifts are meant to edify—God gives them to strengthen the broader body of Christ. This is the ultimate measure of fulfilling your unique design and role within the church.

Gifts “tests” are a great place to begin your search, but they’re not the end-all. The very best way I’ve seen people discover gifts and receive affirmation is by engaging in the life and lives of the body of Christ. Explore and push the boundaries of conventional wisdom. Sometimes the gift you have is outside the box of what you might have imagined. The gifts God gives us can be completely different from any talents we use to do our job or enjoy a hobby.

If you try something and it doesn’t feel like a good fit, keep searching until you find what works for you. Don’t let others influence you or push you into roles that don’t align with your natural gifts or passions. You might excel in one area but end up in a position that doesn’t bring you joy or utilize your strengths. Focus on staying in your sweet spot with God; it can truly be an adventure.

GET FOCUSED: discovering what God has placed within you is like looking for treasure. Remove from your thinking all the perceived constraints like finances, distance, and your capacity; anything that may limit your thinking has to go. These questions will help you narrow in on your passions as you search your heart.What issue gets your heart beating fast?

• What issue gets your heart beating fast?
• What people do you most want to help?
• What big problem do you want to solve?
• What is the solution you want to provide?

The fruit of the Spirit is shown in Galatians 5:22–23. This is the character of Christ, grown over time, that allows others to see how good the Lord is.

In Romans 12:3–8, Paul talks about gifts given through God’s grace to help others, and he warns us not to be arrogant with these. Paul mentions prophecy, serving, encouraging, giving, teaching, and leading.

1 Corinthians 12:1–11 shows the Holy Spirit operating powerful gifts through us. God owns these gifts, and He uses us to deliver His power to people from the Holy Spirit. Because He lives in us, we have those gifts ‘stored’ within us, ready to be delivered at His prompting.

In the same way, our heavenly Father loves to give His children gifts. He wants us to enjoy the gifts and learn how to use them well.

Spiritual gifts are intended to encourage others and build up the church. There are several diverse lists of spiritual gifts in the Bible, including hospitality, preaching, prophecy, and more. In the same way that singing is more than words to musical notes, spiritual gifts are more than tasks or responsibilities – they are a means to express God’s love.