Spiritual Gifts!

After reading my Sister-in-law's blog I took a spiritual test that she had linked. Below are my personal results. Am I surprised by what the test showed, not really? These are things that I mostly knew about myself. I was a bit surprised with the gift of wisdom. I don't feel like a wise person but upon reading the description more I does ring true. Now the next question on my mind is am I using my gifts to their fullest. Probably not! As an extreme introvert I often find it incredibly hard to put myself out there. I have a hard time getting out of my comfort zone because it means that I have to socialize with people, and that is draining for a person like me. For those who know me well, this rings true, for others who may not believe it because I can be very social when the situation is right. So I’m going to try and use them more, for Jesus, for the church and for my friends. Will it be easy, certainly not! But it’ll be for God and that makes it well worth the effort.

If you are curious what your spiritual gifts are please follow this link to take the a test and find out. Spiritual Gift test.

Spiritual Gift of Administration

The Greek word for the spiritual gift of administration is Kubernesis.  This is a unique term that refers to a shipmaster or captain. The literal meaning is “to steer,” or “to rule or govern.”  It carries the idea of someone who guides and directs a group of people toward a goal or destination.  We see variations of this word in verses like Acts 27:11, and Revelation 18:17.

With this gift the Holy Spirit enables certain Christians to organize, direct, and implement plans to lead others in the various ministries of the Church.  This gift is closely related to the gift of Leadership, but is more goal or task oriented and is also more concerned with details and organization.

See also I Corinthians 12:28, Titus 1:4-5.

Spiritual Gift of Mercy

All Christians are called to be merciful because God has been merciful to us (Matthew 18:33; Ephesians 2:4-6).  The Greek word for the spiritual gift of mercy is Eleeo.  It means to be patient and compassionate toward those who are suffering or afflicted.  The concern for the physical as well as spiritual need of those who are hurting is covered by the gift of mercy.  Those with this gift have great empathy for others in their trials and sufferings.  They are able to come alongside people over extended periods of time and see them through their healing process.  They are truly and literally the hands and feet of God to the afflicted.
The Holy Spirit gives the spiritual gift of mercy to some in the church to love and assist those who are suffering, and walk with them until The Lord allows their burden to be lifted.  The gift of mercy is founded in God’s mercy towards us as sinners and is consistently expressed with measurable compassion.  Those with this gift are able to “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) and “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).  They are sensitive to the feelings and circumstances of others and can quickly discern when someone is not doing well.  They are typically good listeners and feel the need to simply “be there” for others.  See Romans 12:8, Matthew 5:7; Luke 10:30-37; James 3:17; Jude 22-23.

Spiritual Gift of Wisdom

The spiritual gift of wisdom, like the gift of knowledge, is also referred to as the “word of wisdom” or “utterance of wisdom.”  The Greek word for wisdom is sophia and it refers to the intimate understanding of God’s Word and His commandments which results in holy and upright living.  In the context of 1 Corinthians 12:8, it means to speak to the life of an individual or to a specific situation with great understanding and a righteous perspective, with the goal of guiding others toward a life of holiness and worship.
Several Scriptures reveal the true beauty and fruit of wisdom.  Psalm 111:10 says: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!”  Wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD.  It begins with knowing who God is and who we are in comparison to Him.  That leads to understanding and then to practicing righteousness.  A life of wisdom ultimately results in the praise of God.
James 3:17 says “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”  This is undoubtedly a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.  The highest wisdom is found in the cross of Christ, which is “folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
The Holy Spirit gives some the spiritual gift of wisdom to not only impart the truth and understanding to believers, but to invoke a response of holiness and worship lived out in the world and amongst God’s people.  Wisdom doesn’t end with knowledge, but is expressed in transformed hearts and lives.
Those with the gift of wisdom have a deep understanding of the holiness of God and the lack of holiness in their own hearts.  They can recognize this in others as well and have the compassion and boldness to share that truth with them.  They are able to take from their own life experiences and share what God has taught them through those things.  They can easily recognize where a decision or action may lead and can warn against those that may be harmful or unfruitful.  They can often see through the confusion of a situation and can give direction that would help an individual or group obtain a God-glorifying goal.  The church needs those with the spiritual gift of wisdom to guide her though uncertain or difficult times.  See also 1 Corinthians 1:17-31, 2:1-16, 12:8; Colossians 1:9-10, 2:1-3; James 3:13-18