The gifts of the Holy Spirit, when used skilfully and accurately is prone to administer and promote the love of God (1 Corinthians 13), the unity of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12) and the divine order and peace of God (1 Corinthians 14:33).
There exist various categories of gifting. These gifts are available to all believers, however not all do operate in these gifts (1 Corinthians 12:30).
These gifts are given at the will of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:11) and differ from the life-purpose/calling of saints, which prepare them for a specific style, class or realm of ministry. These gifts are general and usually available to believers who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Tongues
Definition
Speaking of a language that is unknown by the natural mind. An unlearnt language that is spoken. New Testament believers gift.
Examples
- Paul speaks in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18)
- Believers speak in tongues as they receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:46)
Interpretation of Tongues
Definition
Interpretation, not translation of tongues that was spoken.
Example
Everyone heard the meaning of the tongues being spoken (Acts 2:4).
Word of Wisdom
Definition
An instruction of wisdom concerning the future.
Examples
Peter told to go with his visitors and thus spreading the Gospel (Acts 10:20)
Word of Knowledge
Definition
Knowledge of a current situation or past events or situations. It can also be any knowledge that has not been gathered or deducted naturally, but received in the Spirit.
Example
Peter told that he has visitors (Acts 10:19)
Faith
Definition
That supernatural faith that is granted in certain situations that is above the person’s grown faith.
Working of Miracles
Definition
Any event that cannot be naturally explained.
Gifts of Healing
Definition
This is a gift category as there are various gifts to be paired with the various sicknesses and diseases. These gifts manifest as supernatural healing without explanation.
Prophecy
Definition
Speaking of the heart and mind of God for a person or situation. This gift operates in conjunction with the faith of the minister (Romans 12:6).
Discernment of Spirits
Definition
The supernatural knowledge to know what spirit is the motivator of a specific action, event or effect.