What are spiritual gifts for?
Spiritual gifts are abilities the Holy Spirit gives believers for the common good — to build up the church, point to Christ, and serve others. They are not status symbols and not for hoarding.
Paul says gifts come "for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7) and "to equip the saints for the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:12). They serve the body, not the receiver’s ego.
The lists are varied: teaching, serving, mercy, encouragement, hospitality, leadership, faith, healing, prophecy, tongues. Christians differ over which gifts remain unchanged across the ages, but agree that every believer has at least one.
The aim is love (1 Corinthians 13). Without love, the most spectacular gift "is nothing." Spiritual gifts grow the church when they are wrapped in humble love.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.