God gives believers spiritual gifts as His means of empowering them for the ministry He intends for them to do. While some may be unsure about what their spiritual gifts are, others may doubt if they’re even gifted.
The Bible says all believers have at least one spiritual gift.
Written in the context of spiritual gifting, we find verses like the following:
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Cor. 12:7)
… he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Cor. 12:11)
But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them just as He wanted them to be. (1 Cor. 12:18)
God’s Word also exhorts us to use whatever gift He has given us. The following verse can’t be clearer about God’s endowment of at least one spiritual gift on “each” believer as well as His expectations about what “each one” of us is to do with that gift(s):
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others. (1 Pet. 4:10)
If all believers have at least one gift, why do some lack evidence of spiritual gifting?
The reason could differ from one person to another. Some possible reasons include:
- ignorance about spiritual gifts and God’s design for the Body (1 Cor. 12:1)
- disobedience (1 Pet. 4:10-11)
- neglect (1 Tim. 4:14)
- not in fellowship with the Lord (Jn. 15:4-5)
- failure to develop their gift (2 Tim. 1:6)
- lack of love which exhibits itself in self-centeredness (Jn. 14:15; 21:15-17; Gal. 5:13)
Each person needs to examine their own heart and take appropriate steps which could include learning more, repenting, equipping, or growing spiritually.
Learn More in the Everybody Has a Part: Getting a Grip on Spiritual Gifts Book.