We serve God by using these spiritual gifts in helping others. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says that gifts are given "for the common good." 1 Peter 4:10 says we ought to "employ our gifts for one another." When we serve others in this way, we are serving God.

A spiritual gift is not the same as a natural talent. Although they are both given by God, and although both can be used to the glory of God, they are not the same. Natural talents are abilities that both unbelievers and believers have, while spiritual gifts are abilities that only believers have. For example, before I became a Christian, I had the ability to play the piano. But after I became a Christian, my ability greatly improved, I developed a great desire to improve my skills, I used my skills to draw people to Christ as I played, I composed new music that reflected my new love for Christ, and I worshipped God by playing spiritual songs on the piano. I could never have played in this way before I became a Christian.

If you are a genuine Christian, you can find out what your spiritual gifts are. First, fill out the questionnaire on the following pages, then use the key chart to find out what your spiritual gifts may be. Second, use your gifts, whatever you think they may be. Third, listen to others and try to remember what other people have said about your abilities. Note especially those comments from those who felt blessed, or encouraged, or have spiritually grown through your using your gifts. Sometimes the lack of comments may mean that you don’t have a gift in a specific area.

Creative Ability (Ex. 35:31): the ability to forward God’s kingdom through creative skills such as music, drama, graphic arts, writing, painting, sculpting, etc., e.g. a musician on the Praise Team, or one who designs and sews colorful banners for the worship center.

Discernment (1 Cor. 12:10, 14:9): the ability to distinguish between truth and error, or to know when a person or act is of God, or Satan, e.g. one who was able to tell that a preacher was in grave error before anyone else was able to detect it.

Encouragement (Rom. 12:8): the ability to give words of comfort and counsel to others in such a way that they feel helped and healed, e.g. one whom people love to call on when they are in the hospital.

Evangelism (Eph. 4:11): the ability to present the gospel to unbelievers in such a clear and meaningful way that people receive Christ.

Faith (1 Cor. 12:9): the ability to discern with extraordinary confidence the will and purpose of God for his work.

Giving (Rom. 12:8): the ability to sacrificially contribute money and possessions towards the work of the Lord, e.g. one who gives 30% of his income to the church, Christian ministries, and the needy.

Hospitality (Rom. 12:13): the ability to welcome and graciously serve guests or strangers, e.g. one who invites newcomers to his home to make them feel welcome.

Intercession (Col. 1:9-10): the ability to pray for long periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent answers to their prayers, to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian, e.g. one who enjoys praying in 24-hour prayer vigils.

Leadership (Rom. 12:8): the ability to envision God’s will and purpose, and to rally people into a team that enthusiastically works towards that vision, e.g. a church planter.

Mercy (Rom 12:8): the ability to show genuine compassion and help those who are suffering or distressed, e.g. an S.O.S. Squad member.

Prophecy (1 Cor. 12:10,29): the ability proclaim God’s truth for today’s world so that believers are built up, and unbelievers convinced, e.g. a preacher.

Service (Rom. 12:7): the ability to help others in practical ways, e.g. one who fixes automobiles for the needy elderly.

Shepherding or Pastoring (Eph. 4:11): the ability to care for the spiritual needs of a group of people on a long-term basis, e.g. a pastor, or Bible study leader who stays with a group for 2 years.

Teaching (1 Cor. 12:28; Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11): the ability to impress God’s ways and God’s truth upon new believers, by his/her speaking skills and by lifestyle.

Miracles (1 Cor. 12): the ability to serve as an intermediary whom God uses to perform powerful acts that alter the ordinary course of nature.

Healing (1 Cor 12): the ability to serve as an intermediary whom God uses to cure illness.

Tongues (1 Cor. 12:10): the ability to speak to God in a language that they have never learned.