Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:7, 12There is a chapter in First Corinthians that most churches avoid. Chapter twelve. It talks about spiritual gifts, and most churches would rather not go there.
Why? Because spiritual gifts are controversial. They make people uncomfortable. They involve power and manifestation and supernatural ability, and that makes a lot of Christians nervous.
But Paul did not avoid this topic. He wrote about it extensively. And he considered it essential.
The manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. Not for individual display. Not for personal glory. For the common good.
That is the purpose of spiritual gifts. Building up the body. Serving others. Making the church function the way God intended.
Pursue love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
1 Corinthians 14:1The Nine Gifts
Paul lists nine specific gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. Let me break them down:
1. Word of Wisdom - A supernatural revelation of God's wisdom in a specific situation. Not human wisdom. Divine insight given in a moment.
2. Word of Knowledge - A supernatural revelation of specific knowledge that could not be known naturally. Knowing something you could not possibly know on your own.
3. Faith - Not just saving faith. The gift of faith is extraordinary trust in God for specific miracles or provisions beyond normal expectation.
4. Gifts of Healing - The power to heal the sick supernaturally. Not everyone has this gift, but God distributes it as He wills.
5. Miraculous Powers - The ability to perform supernatural acts beyond healing. Raising the dead, walking on water, etc.
6. Prophecy - The ability to speak God's message to His people. For edification, exhortation, and comfort.
7. Distinguishing Between Spirits - The ability to discern the source of spiritual phenomena. Is it from God? From the devil? From human origin?
8. Tongues - Speaking in languages never learned, either for personal prayer or for the church.
9. Interpretation of Tongues - The ability to translate what someone speaking in tongues is saying.
Why the Church Is Afraid
So why do most churches avoid this topic? A few reasons.
First, some of these gifts are sensational. Healing. Miracles. Tongues. They draw attention. And churches are worried about showing off, about pride, about abuse.
Second, there has been a lot of abuse in this area. People faking gifts. People using gifts for personal gain. People manipulating others with supposed spiritual authority.
Third, some theological traditions deny that these gifts continue today. They argue that these were only for the founding of the church and ceased after the apostolic era.
But Paul does not say that. Paul says the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. And he lists these gifts as current realities, not historical curiosities.
Pursue spiritual gifts. Especially prophecy. That is Paul's command. Not avoid them. Pursue them.
The Key Is Love
Here is what Paul makes clear. The gifts are not the point. Love is the point.
In the famous love chapter (1 Corinthians 13), Paul is not just talking about love in general. He is talking about why love matters more than gifts. Because gifts without love are noisy. They are useless. They are nothing.
The gifts are meant to be exercised in love. For the common good. Building up the body. Serving others.
That is the proper use of spiritual gifts. Not for show. Not for personal status. For service.
✦ A Moment to Sit With
Which of these nine gifts is most mysterious to you? Most uncomfortable? Ask God to show you what these gifts look like when they operate in love, for the common good.
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Father, I confess that I have been nervous about spiritual gifts. They seem strange. They seem open to abuse. But You gave them for the common good. Teach me to understand them properly. Help me to not be afraid of the supernatural work of Your Spirit. And let any gift You give me be exercised in love, for building up others. Amen.
Tomorrow we are going to look at something less controversial but equally important: the fruit of the Spirit. Not gifts. Fruit. The evidence in your life that the Spirit is at work in you. And it is not just one fruit. It is nine.
With honesty and hope,
Claire