Finding Your Spiritual Gifts: A Christian Counseling Approach to Purpose and Inner Peace
Life can get overwhelming, leaving us to wonder about one simple fact…
“Why is all of this happening? What does it mean?”
As a Christian counselor, I’ve seen so many people lose sight of their unique calling.
This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and insignificance. From a faith-based perspective, each person is naturally gifted with unique skills and abilities—given by God to not only help them find a sense of fulfillment but also enable them to help others find it as well.
If you’re struggling with this, keep reading, because we’re about to discover just how much of an impact you can make by simply making use of your God-given gifts.
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are unique talents given by God to each believer. These gifts may include teaching, healing, leadership, and encouragement. When used to their full extent, they can help us serve others and contribute to the growth and unity of the Church and our communities.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NIV) states: "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work."
Understanding your spiritual gifts can clarify your life's purpose, helping to reduce feelings of stress or unworthiness.
How to Identify Your Spiritual Gifts
Finding your spiritual gifts can be a rewarding journey. Here are four steps to help you start:
Pray and Reflect: Seek guidance from God through prayer. Take time for quiet reflection to listen for God's voice and direction.
Study Scripture: Spiritual gifts are discussed in various parts of the Bible. Passages like Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 4 provide lists and insights into how these gifts function.
Ask for Feedback: Consult trusted friends, family, or church leaders for input. Often, others can see gifts in us that we overlook.
Try New Things: Sometimes identifying your gifts requires action. Volunteer or take on new roles in your church or community to explore where you feel most effective and fulfilled.
Romans 12:6-8 (NIV) encourages us: "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."
Use your gifts with enthusiasm. Serving others can bring profound joy and fulfillment to your life.
How to Use Your Spiritual Gifts
Once you've identified your spiritual gifts, here are some practical ways to put them into action:
Serve with Purpose: Use your gifts in your everyday life—whether in church, at work, or in personal relationships. Find ways to contribute meaningfully.
Foster Community Unity: Remember that your gifts are meant to uplift and support others, not for self-promotion. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV) emphasizes the importance of building up the body of Christ through service.
Be a Responsible Steward: Recognize that your gifts are entrusted to you by God. Use them wisely, as 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV) reminds us to be faithful stewards of God's grace.
Help Others Recognize Their Gifts: Part of using your gifts is helping others recognize and use theirs. Encourage those around you to explore and develop their spiritual talents, contributing to a stronger, more unified community.
Appreciating Diversity and Unity
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV) illustrates the importance of every person's contribution to the body of Christ: "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ...we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."
Keep in mind that every person plays a vital role. Your spiritual gifts are a significant part of God's plan. Recognize their value so you can promote growth and positivity within the community around you.
Your Gifts and Your Purpose
Your spiritual gifts can lead you to peace, purpose, and fulfillment. By identifying and using them, you strengthen your relationship with Christ and contribute to the healing and unity of your community.
Continue to use your gifts with joy and gratitude, and watch how they change your life and the lives of those around you.
Ready to discover your spiritual gifts and live a life of purpose?
Schedule a session with Maribel to explore how Christian counseling can help you uncover your God-given talents and live with greater peace and fulfillment.
So, have you identified your spiritual gifts? We'd love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts in the comments below or connect with Maribel for more personalized guidance.
Thanks for reading this blog. I hope you liked it, because you’ll have more of this type of content pretty soon. Stay tuned!
