USING THE APPORTIONED GIFTS “To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit,  to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,  to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” 1 Corinthians 12:2-11

As opposed to the Fruits of the Holy Spirit which enable one to grow in holiness and become more like Christ (sanctification), Gifts of the Holy Spirit are used for the benefit of ourselves and others in pursuance of “The Great Commission”. They are aimed at guidance, encouragement, comfort,  building and sustaining the church of Christ. They help us to produce the Fruits.

Each of us has a God given mission and the Holy Spirit endows the gifts according to the mission. Various people are called to be teachers, evangelists, prophets, pastors, leaders, healers and various other missions as per their ‘burden” or calling. Where we have a gift, we can develop our natural talents and abilities by attaining various skills. Those with the gift of healing can develop it by training in the medical profession, those with the gift of prophesy can discover various truths and wisdom so that they can discern the signs of the times and know when and to whom to make various disclosures to.

If we do not have a particular gift, we should accept it and not try to force it no matter how glamorous it seems,  for we all have a place in the church, and cannot be everything. As it is written , " ..he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” 1 Corinthians 12:11)

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"A cheerful spirit is one of the most valuable gifts ever bestowed upon humanity by a kind Creator. It is the sweetest and most fragrant flower of the Spirit, that constantly sends out its beauty and fragrance, and blesses everything within its reach. It will sustain the soul in the darkest and most dreary places of this world. It will hold in check the demons of despair, and stifle the power of discouragement and hopelessness. It is the brightest star that ever cast its radiance over the darkened soul, and one that seldom sets in the gloom of morbid fancies and forboding imaginations". ~ James H. Aughey