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We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12: 6-8
I have often struggled to come up with my spiritual gifts because I consider myself average with a lot of my abilities. I always thought you had to be above average for your spiritual gift to have an impact. That is not true. We can improve on the spiritual gifts we have over time, and we should challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zones. If you often struggle, like myself, to come up with what your spiritual gifts are, then consider using the Spiritual Gifts Assessment on the UMC website (https://www.umc.org/en/content/exploring-your-spiritual-gifts). The UMC website mentions 20 spiritual gifts. All of the gifts are needed for the upbuilding of the body of Christ.
The 20 gifts are:
Administration: Allows a person to organize people and resources
Apostleship: Reaching out to new groups and individuals
Compassion: Moves people to action on behalf of those in need
Discernment: Deep intuition and insight
Evangelism: Faith-sharing and proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to those we meet
Exhortation: Offering encouragement, wise counsel, unflagging support, and empowerment
Faith: Confidence that God works all things together for the good
Giving: Providing resources needed to support God's will and plan
Healing: Channeling God's grace and healing love to those who are suffering
Helping: Support and behind-the-scenes effort
Interpretation of Tongues: Build bridges across cultural, generational, and language divides
Knowledge: Convert facts, data, and information into useful and import knowledge
Leadership: Enables people to stay focused on where God might be leading us
Miracles: Not doubting the power and presence of God in creation and are able to help others see and believe it
Prophecy: Being open for God to speak God's word through us
Servanthood: Doing for others
Shepherding: Mentoring and providing spiritual guidance
Teaching: Transform data and information into life changing knowledge
Tongues: Speak foreign languages and convey concepts they never formally studied
Wisdom: Understanding deeper meaning and applying knowledge, beliefs, and experience to every day situations
Lord, please help me explore new spiritual gifts over time and show me how I can use them daily for your will. Amen.
About Melissa Hall
Melissa has attended St. Thomas UMC since 2017. Her husband, Nathan, is the communication committee lead. They have a 5-year-old daughter named Everly. Outside of church, she is a software developer and enjoys walking/jogging.