What are spiritual gifts?
Spiritual gifts are abilities the Holy Spirit gives to believers to serve God and build up the church. They differ from person to person but all come from the same Spirit for the common good.
The New Testament lists various gifts — such as teaching, serving, encouraging, leading, mercy, and more (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12). They are given ‘for the common good’ (1 Corinthians 12:7), not for personal status.
Paul compares the church to a body: each member has a different function, and all are needed. ‘There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them’ (1 Corinthians 12:4).
Gifts are meant to be used in love — without love, even great gifts are empty (1 Corinthians 13). Every believer has something to contribute to serving others and building up the church.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.