<section><h2><h1><strong><span style="font-size:20px;">DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS</span></strong></h1></h2><p><h4>WHETHER DORMANT OR ACTIVE, THESE GIFTS ARE WITHIN YOU READY TO HELP YOU MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE WORLD!</h4></p></section><section><h2><h2><strong>EVANGELISM</strong></h2></h2><p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">The gift of evangelism is present in those who have an above average desire and ability to communicate the Gospel to those who are not Christians. This is more than just wanting to see people saved, every Christian feels that to some extent. This gift is one that is always brewing in you. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">You intentionally look for ways to talk about Jesus with others and are think about how the best way to communicate with them might be. On top of this, you are bold enough to do it and risk looking like a fool or being made fun of. Your courage will inspire many Christians the more you exercise this gift. Develop it by learning how to talk about biblical truths using analogies that connect with the life experiences and interests of the individuals you are speaking to. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">Be creative in how and when you share. Paul was a brilliant Evangelist because he shifted the way he communicated based on the culture or person he was speaking to making it easier for others to connect to the Gospel. Jesus did the same. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Read more about this gift here: <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%208.5-6" target="_blank">Acts 8:5-6</a></span></span><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-size:18px;">, <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%208.26-40" target="_blank">8:26-40</a>, <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2014.21" target="_blank">14:21</a>, <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2021.8" target="_blank">21:8</a>; </span></span></span><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph%204.11-14" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:18px;">Ephesians 4:11-14</span></a></p></section><section><h3><h2><strong>PROPHECY</strong></h2></h3><p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">The gift of prophecy is the gift to communicate God’s truth and heart in a way that realigns others back to God. I know you might have been hoping this had something to do with predicting the future but it really doesn’t. God could tell you what is about to happen before it happens and ask you to share that but most commonly, this gift is about being God’s vocal messenger. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">A person with a prophetic gift is really, really bothered by sin and has a burning desire to call it out, along with injustice, when they come across it. It takes courage to have this gift because you are often saying the hard things that everybody needs to hear but that nobody wants to hear. It’s not always bad news though. God may be leading you to encourage others through his words or your actions. You really are a messenger. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">As you grow in your knowledge of the bible and consistency in your prayer life, this gift will rise more and more to the surface. Be careful not to be too quick with your tongue as even the truth can sometimes be delivered in a manner that is outside of God’s character. On campus or in the workplace, be the person who is standing up against injustice wherever it is and learn to deliver the hard truth gently and compassionately to others when the time calls for it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-size:18px;">Read more about the gift here: <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%202.37-40" target="_blank">Acts 2:37-40</a>, <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%207.51-53" target="_blank">7:51-53</a>, <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2026.24-29" target="_blank">26:24-29</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Cor%2014.1-4" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 14:1-4</a>; </span></span><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Thess%201.5" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:18px;">1 Thessalonians 1:5</span></a></p></p></section><section><h3><h2><strong>TEACHING</strong></h2></h3><p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">The gift of teaching is the ability to study, learn and then share knowledge with others in a way they can understand and apply. The church would never grow without this gift present. Everyone has some degree of knowledge on any given subject but not many can find a way to articulate what they know to others. With this gift you can educate a variety of different people and cultures because you can adapt well to different learning styles. You enjoy helping someone understand a hard concept and are patient enough to hang with them until they do. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">Look for opportunities to tutoring others. Assist other teachers when possible. Lead a bible study at church or with friends. Put yourself in a position to teach something to someone in a creative way and you will grow in this gifting as you do.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><span style="font-size:18px;">Read more about this gift here: <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2018.24-28" target="_blank">Acts 18:24-28</a>, <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2020.20-21" target="_blank">20:20-21</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Cor%2012.28" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:28</a>; </span><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph%204.11-14" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:18px;">Ephesians 4:11-14</span></a></p></section><section><h3><h2><strong>ENCOURAGEMENT</strong></h2></h3><p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">This gift, sometimes referred to as exhortation, is the gift of comfort, counsel and encouragement that motivates others to action through written or spoken word. This was probably in Paul’s top five if you ask us. His letters to the churches and to individuals like Timothy are passionate and strong in language that comforts, counsels and encourages. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">President’s Roosevelt’s famous quote “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care” rings true here. This gift can be a catalyst in the lives of those around you. You probably remember some nice things a teacher, coach or friend ever said to you, right? Words are powerful and the gift of being able to use words to build up and guide others is a gift that can leave a legacy. Look for opportunities to get to know people and exhort them. Great counselors and comforters are also great listeners. Learn to do that well.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">Read more about this gift here: <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%2014.22" target="_blank">Acts 14:22</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Rom%2012.8">Romans 12:8</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Tim%204.13" target="_blank">1 Timothy 4:13</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Heb%2010.24-25">Hebrews 10:24-25</a></span></p><br /></p></section><section><h3><h2><strong>PASTORAL</strong></h2></h3><p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">The gift of pastor/shepherd is the ability to care for the personal needs of others by nurturing and mending life issues. Just because you have this gift doesn’t mean you should be a pastor of a church. The truth is that many pastors today have more of a teaching gift than they do a pastoral one. You have this gift because you are ready and willing to live life in the trenches with others. You are not interested in talking to them about Jesus and moving on, you want to dig in deep and really help people around you succeed. You often find yourself looking out for their best interests more than you do your own! </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">Use this gift by investing more time into a smaller group of people. You are not trying to win a popularity contest here, you are willing to do what few are in that you want to be there for people even when they are not there for you. You can handle the rejection when it comes, but you still bounce back and show others that you are here to stay and are ready to help them grow personally, professionally and/or spiritually whenever they are ready.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">Read more about this gift here: <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/John%2010.1-18" target="_blank">John 10:1-18</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph%204.11-14" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:11-14</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Tim%203.1-7" target="_blank">1 Timothy 3:1-7</a>; </span><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Pet%205.1-3" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:18px;">1 Peter 5:1-3</span></a></p><br /></p></section><section><h3><h2><strong>MERCY</strong></h2></h3><p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">The gift of mercy is the ability to express empathy or to care for those who are hurting in some way. People with this gift are surprised to find it’s a gift because having mercy comes so natural to them that they think everyone has it. They don’t. As Christians, we should all be merciful but that doesn’t mean that we are all good at it. Your gift is one that brings forgiveness, love, patience and kindness to even the most difficult people or situations. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">It’s true that people with this gift can often get taken advantage of but you are willing to take that risk where others are not. That’s one reason why it’s a gift from God. Look around you for ‘hopeless’ causes, people that others have written off, and be intentional about drawing closer to them. When Jesus spent time with the lame, crippled, criminals and people the culture did not think highly of, he sent a message to the world about who God is and what He cares about. You can do the same and it begins with the people you see on a daily basis.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><span style="font-size:18px;">Read more about this gift here: <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matt%209.35-36" target="_blank">Matthew 9:35-36</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Mark%209.41" target="_blank">Mark 9:41</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Rom%2012.8" target="_blank">Romans 12:8</a>; </span><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Thess.%205.14" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:18px;">1 Thess. 5:14</span></a></p></section><section><h3><h2><strong>ACTS OF SERVICE</strong></h2></h3><p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">The gift of helping and service are so close in nature that for the sake of ease, I am lumping them together. This is a gift to work in a supportive role to accomplish tasks with the ability to often see the need before others do. It’s similar to the gift of administration but the difference is that this gift is a little more versatile and isn’t necessarily related to managing projects or groups like administration is. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">With this gift you find yourself getting your hands dirty on the front lines doing the things nobody else wants to do. You can also be behind the scenes helping others get things done. You do whatever is needed, wherever and whenever it is needed. This gift makes you are blessing to others because you are so darn reliable. Everyone needs friends they can count on and YOU are that friend! </span><span style="font-size:18px;">Use this flexibility and willingness to serve that you have been given to bless people you want to reach. Those around you will see Jesus’ character clearly through your generosity in this area.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:18px;">Read more about this gift here: <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Mark%2015.40-41" target="_blank">Mark 15:40-41</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%209.36" target="_blank">Acts 9:36</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Rom%2016.1-2" target="_blank">Romans 16:1-2</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Cor%2012.28" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 12:28 </a><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%206.1-7" target="_blank">Acts 6:1-7</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Rom%2012.7" target="_blank">Romans 12:7</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Gal%206.10" target="_blank">Galatians 6:10</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Tim%201.16-18" target="_blank">1 Timothy 1:16-18</a>; </span><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Titus%203.14" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:18px;">Titus 3:14</span></a></p></p></section><section><h3><h2><strong>GIVING</strong></h2></h3><p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">The gift of giving involves being able to give whatever you have, in the form of time, money, talents or possessions, generously to others with no strings attached. You would literally give someone the shirt off your back it they needed it more than you did. This gift is such a beautiful picture of God’s love for the entire world. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">Be on the lookout for what those around you need. There are peers around you who are lonely and need someone to take an interest in their life, give them your time. There are those that are struggling in school, in careers, in relationships, give them your talents. Others may not have the financial resources you have, find a way to generate income and share it liberally. The act of giving is the Gospel in action. The people around you will always remember what you do over what you say and it will open many doors for conversations about Jesus.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><span style="font-size:18px;">Read more about this gift here: <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Mark%2012.41-44" target="_blank">Mark 12:41-44</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Rom%2012.8" target="_blank">Romans 12:8</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Cor%208.1-7" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 8:1-7</a>, <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Corinthians%209.2-7" target="_blank">9:2-7</a> </span><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Corinthians%209.65" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:18px;">65</span></a></p></section><section><h3><h2><strong>ADMINISTRATION</strong></h2></h3><p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;">The gift of administration is the ability to organize multiple people and tasks to get things done. Every great movement and leader in history has had people with this gift by their side. It doesn’t come with lots of props and glory but nothing gets done without this skill in place. If you have this gift, find a group, team, project or cause to get behind and you will shine.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></p><span style="font-size:18px;">Read more about this gift here: <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%2014.28-30" target="_blank">Luke 14:28-30</a>; <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Acts%206.1-7" target="_blank">Acts 6:1-7</a>; </span><a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Cor%2012.28" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:18px;">1 Corinthians 12:28</span></a></p></section><section><h2><h2><strong>I really want to help lost people know Jesus.</strong></h2></h2></section><section><h3><h2><strong>I like to make people think.</strong><span style="font-size:12px;font-weight:400;"><strong></strong></span></h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2><strong>I really love to study the bible.</strong></h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2><strong>I love affirming others with my words.</strong></h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2><strong>I am a people person. People energize me.</strong></h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I am quick to forgive others.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I am quick to help others when I see a need.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I enjoy giving generously with my time and resources.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I generally stay well organized.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>Some people think I talk about God so much that it makes others uncomfortable.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>When I see people sinning, I am compelled to talk to them.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I am always thinking about different ways to communicate things.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I love to be a champion of the success of others.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>Caring for others comes naturally to me.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I have a passion for comforting those who need it.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I like to work behind the scenes more than in the spotlight.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I am sensitive to the needs of others.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I am great at matching people with tasks to get things done.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I would rather share the gospel than do anything else.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>It really bothers me when other people do stuff that is wrong.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I enjoy helping others learn.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>People often feel encouraged by me.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I have a great desire to be with others as they grow and learn.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I find that I often put myself "in someone else's shoes."</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I enjoy working with my hands.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>If a need exists, I am always ready to meet it.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I do things on time.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I am socially active and get along with people easy.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I would rather speak about something than write it.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I feel like I must teach people things so that it's taught right.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I am good at thinking about different ways to help people.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I am very protective of my friends and family.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I often act first based on my emotions before logic/thinking.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I get motivated by the opportunity to serve.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I do not hesitate to sacrifice for the needs of others.</h2></h3></section><section><h3><h2>I like the challenge of getting tasks done to complete a project.</h2></h3></section>