“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7)
Spiritual gifts should not build our ego but our church.
The work of the Holy Spirit in us is partly focused on our own growth. We call that the fruit of the Spirit. But it is also partly focused on the growth of others. We call that the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Many people wonder: ‘What gift of the Spirit do I have?’ The best way to find out is to ask: ‘How can I help others to come closer to Jesus?’
You do not help others on your own, but as a member of the Christian congregation. You need the church to get everything that God wants to give you. And the church needs you, because you too have received unique gifts from the Spirit. After all, those gifts are ‘distributed to everyone’, we read in this chapter.
Gifts from the Spirit never make pride. They make grateful. We are grateful for what we receive from others and what we can give to others.
How do you use your gifts to help others to come closer to Jesus?