Gifts are a theme throughout the Bible. From God’s gift of salvation to the spiritual gifts given to individuals, gifts are an expression of love, grace, and generosity. Here are 10 Bible verses about gifts that can encourage and inspire you.
- “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). God’s gift of salvation is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ.
- “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). All good gifts come from God, who is unchanging and faithful.
- “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). Spiritual gifts are given for the purpose of serving others and bringing glory to God.
- “And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:28). These spiritual gifts are given for the edification and strengthening of the church.
- “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it” (Ephesians 4:7). Christ gives us spiritual gifts according to His divine plan and purpose.
- “Then he [Jesus] said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions'” (Luke 12:15). Material possessions should never take the place of the true gift of life found in Christ.
- “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13). God desires to give us the ultimate gift, the Holy Spirit, to guide and empower us in our Christian walk.
- “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Christ, and the salvation He offers, is an indescribable gift that should cause us to overflow with gratitude and praise.
- “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you” (1 Timothy 4:14). We must not neglect our spiritual gifts, but rather use them to honor and serve God.
- “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). The ultimate gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus, paid for by His sacrificial death on the cross.
Gifts are a tangible expression of love and grace. As you meditate on these Bible verses about gifts, may your heart be filled with gratitude for the ultimate gift of salvation found in Jesus Christ.
FAQ about Gifts
Sure, here’s a Q&A response to those questions with scripture references:
What are spiritual gifts according to the Bible?
A1: Spiritual gifts are abilities given to believers by the Holy Spirit to serve God and others. These gifts are not natural talents, but special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to empower believers to do God’s work. The Bible teaches that a variety of spiritual gifts are given to the church for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
What is the importance of using our gifts to serve others?
A2: Using our spiritual gifts to serve others is an act of obedience to God and a way to demonstrate love and care for others. When we use our gifts to serve others, we are functioning as part of the body of Christ and fulfilling our role as members of the church. The Bible commands believers to use their gifts to serve one another and build up the body of Christ (1 Peter 4:10-11, Romans 12:4-8).
How can I discover my spiritual gifts?
A3: Discovering your spiritual gifts requires prayer, self-examination, and an openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit. You may also benefit from taking a spiritual gifts assessment or seeking guidance from your pastor or other leaders in your church. The Bible encourages believers to seek out and use their spiritual gifts, and promises that the Holy Spirit will empower them for this task (1 Corinthians 12:11, Ephesians 4:11-13).
Can everyone receive spiritual gifts?
A4: Yes, every believer has been given at least one spiritual gift by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7). The Bible teaches that each member of the body of Christ has a unique function, and that all are necessary for the health and growth of the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).
What is the difference between spiritual gifts and natural talents?
A5: While both spiritual gifts and natural talents are abilities given by God, they differ in their purpose and source. Natural talents are abilities that we are born with or develop through education or training, while spiritual gifts are supernatural abilities given by the Holy Spirit to empower believers to do God’s work. Natural talents may or may not be used for the glory of God, while spiritual gifts are specifically intended to serve and build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).
Prayer for Reflection
Dear Heavenly Father, We thank You for the many gifts You have given us, both natural and spiritual. We are grateful for the ultimate gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died for our sins so that we might have eternal life. As we reflect on the many Bible verses about gifts, we are reminded of the importance of using these gifts to serve others and bring glory to Your name. It is our desire to be faithful stewards of the gifts You have given us, and to use them wisely and with humility.
We ask that You would continue to guide us in discovering and using our spiritual gifts for the benefit of the church and those around us. May we never neglect these gifts, but always seek to use them for Your purposes. Help us to remain mindful that every good gift comes from You, and that we are called to be generous and gracious with the gifts we have received. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.