The gifts of the Holy Spirit: what they are and how they work today
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or a mere influence: he is God himself, the third person of the Trinity, who lives in believers and acts in the Church. One of the ways the Spirit works is through gifts, abilities that God gives by grace to build up his people and bear witness to Christ in the world. Few subjects arouse as much interest, and sometimes as much confusion, as the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
In this article we explain simply what the Bible teaches about these gifts, what they are, how the various Christian traditions have understood them, and how we can seek and exercise them with humility and love. For the gifts of service and ministry described in Romans 12 and Ephesians 4, see also our article on spiritual gifts.
“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 12:4
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”
1 Corinthians 12:7
What is a gift of the Spirit?
The Greek word Paul often uses is charisma, from charis, grace. A gift, then, is a gift of grace: it cannot be bought, it is not deserved, it is not produced by human effort. God gives it freely, according to his will, for the common good. This protects us from two errors: pride, which boasts of gifts as if they were personal achievements, and envy, which despises one’s own gift while wishing for someone else’s.
It is important to distinguish between the gifts and the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance, according to Galatians 5:22-23) is the character of Christ formed in all believers. The gifts are abilities distributed in diverse ways. A person may have remarkable gifts and yet lack fruit; that is why Paul places the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, right in the middle of his teaching on gifts.
The seven gifts according to Isaiah 11
The prophet Isaiah announced that upon the Messiah, the branch from the stem of Jesse, the Spirit of the Lord would rest: “the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2). Ancient Christian tradition, especially Catholic and Orthodox, following the Greek and Latin translation of this passage, lists seven gifts: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
Wisdom: allows us to see life from God’s perspective and value things by their true weight. Understanding: helps us grasp the truths of faith more deeply. Counsel: guides us to make right decisions and to guide others. Fortitude: gives courage to persevere in good and resist temptation and adversity. Knowledge: allows us to recognise God’s hand in creation and use things rightly. Piety: awakens a childlike love for God and brotherly treatment of others. Fear of the Lord: not servile dread, but loving reverence that keeps us from what offends the Lord.
These gifts describe, first of all, the fullness of the Spirit in Jesus Christ, and then the Spirit’s work in every believer united to him. They are gifts of sanctification that shape the inner life.
The manifestations of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12
In 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, Paul lists nine manifestations of the Spirit, which many churches, particularly Pentecostal and charismatic ones, know as the gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Word of wisdom
An ability given by the Spirit to apply God’s truth to a concrete situation, especially in times of decision or conflict. Think of Solomon before the two women who claimed the same child, or the apostles at the council of Jerusalem (Acts 15).
Word of knowledge
Understanding of spiritual truths or of circumstances not known by natural means, always for edification. Jesus showed something similar when he spoke with the Samaritan woman about her life (John 4).
Faith
This does not refer to the saving faith every believer has, but to an extraordinary confidence to believe that God will do something specific in a difficult situation. It is the faith that moves mountains, that sustains a community in trial and that dares to undertake great works for God.
Gifts of healing
Paul speaks in the plural, suggesting a diversity of healings: physical, emotional and spiritual. Jesus healed many, and the apostles continued that work in his name. Today many communities pray for the sick and bear witness to God’s action, while valuing the work of doctors and health professionals as part of his providence.
Working of miracles
Interventions of God that go beyond the ordinary course of nature and show his power and compassion. In Acts we see Peter raising Tabitha and Paul surviving a viper’s bite on Malta.
Prophecy
According to 1 Corinthians 14:3, “he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort”. In the New Testament, prophecy does not add new Scripture, but communicates a message from God to strengthen, encourage and comfort the church. It must be tested in the light of the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).
Discerning of spirits
The ability to distinguish whether something comes from God, from human nature or from influences contrary to God. It is especially valuable in times of confusion, to protect the community from deception.
Divers kinds of tongues
At Pentecost the disciples spoke in other tongues and people from many nations heard them declare the wonderful works of God in their own language (Acts 2). In Corinth, Paul also speaks of tongues that edify the one who prays and that, in public meetings, require interpretation.
Interpretation of tongues
The complementary gift that allows what is said in tongues to be understood and communicated, so that the whole church is edified. Paul insists that in the congregation everything be done “decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Are the gifts still active today?
Respecting the diversity of the Church, it is worth recognising that there are different positions. Some traditions teach that certain extraordinary gifts, such as tongues or prophecy, had a special role in the apostolic age and ceased with the completion of the New Testament. Others, such as Pentecostal and charismatic churches and many renewal communities within historic churches, believe all the gifts remain active today. And many churches hold intermediate positions, open to the work of the Spirit but cautious about excesses.
Beyond these differences, most Christians agree on three points: the Holy Spirit is still working powerfully, gifts must be exercised with love and order, and everything must be tested in the light of Scripture. This ecumenical spirit allows us to learn from one another without dismissing each other.
The purpose of the gifts
The Bible is clear: gifts are not for showing off, creating spiritual hierarchies or making money. They are “to profit withal”, that is, for everyone’s good. Paul compares the Church to a body in which each member has a different function and all need one another. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of thee.” Likewise, no gift is superior to the others in value, even if some are more visible.
Gifts also have a missionary dimension. In Acts, the power of the Spirit drove the disciples to be witnesses of Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost part of the earth. Gifts open doors to proclaim the Gospel and show God’s compassion.
Love, the more excellent way
Just before the famous love chapter, Paul writes: “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31). He then warns that even if he spoke with the tongues of men and of angels, had prophecy, understood all mysteries and had all faith, without love he would be nothing. Love is the atmosphere in which the gifts fulfil their purpose. A gift used without love can wound; a gift used with love heals and builds up.
How to seek and exercise the gifts
Pray simply: Jesus promised that the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him (Luke 11:13). Ask God to fill you with his Spirit and use you to bless others. Study the Word: gifts are exercised within the boundaries of Scripture. Serve in your community: gifts are often discovered by serving, not by waiting. Seek guidance: pastors and mature believers can help you discern and grow. Cultivate the fruit: humility, patience and love are the best protection against spiritual pride. Accept correction: every gift can be exercised better over time.
Necessary warnings
Sadly, some people have used claims to spiritual gifts to manipulate, control or profit. The Bible teaches us to examine the fruit. A true move of the Spirit glorifies Jesus Christ, respects people’s dignity, promotes holiness, produces unity and is in harmony with the Word. If a supposed manifestation generates fear, dependence on a leader, financial pressure or division, it is necessary to stop and discern.
A prayer for the filling of the Spirit
Holy Spirit, come and fill my life. Give me the gifts you choose so that I may serve your Church and proclaim Jesus Christ. Form in me the fruit of love, patience and humility. Keep me from pride and envy. May everything you do through me build others up and bring glory to the Father. Amen.