Romans 12:6-8 – Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

1 Corinthians 12:28 – And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

Service – The word ministry in Romans 12:7 is from the same Greek word as deacon or deaconess.  It refers to someone who willingly serves. When considering Acts 6:1-7, it most likely is referring to those who are gifted to help pastors and church leaders as they care for the body of Christ spiritually and physically.

Exhortation – Exhortation refers to those who are gifted to call others to the obedience of God’s truth.  This can be to admonish and correct sin or to encourage and strengthen believers who are struggling.

Giving – Someone with this gift will sacrifice to ensure the needs of those around them and the church are met.  They give beyond tithing and normal offerings with unparalleled generosity. 

Administration – Translated “leads” in the NKJV of Romans 12:8, the Greek word literally means “standing before.”  It was used to describe a person responsible for steering a ship.  Within the church, a person with this gift would be supernaturally gifted to lead the body of Christ and to maintain order during times of stress and during times of prosperity.

Mercy – A person gifted in mercy has a natural compassion and empathy for those who are hurting.  They demonstrate their compassion and empathy willingly, sacrificially, and with a heart of cheerfulness.

Helps – The gift of helps is like the gift of service.  It refers to one who aids without the need to be compensated or recognized in any way.  They volunteer their time, resources and many times, work behind the scenes on tasks considered to be small or insignificant by others, but are critical to the health and success of the church.

Reflection:

• Do any of these gifts apply to you? If so, which one(s)?
• Are you operating in any of the ministry gifts? If so, how?
• Take time this week to study these gifts and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you those you have been gifted with.  Many times were already know, because they are demonstrated in what we are already passionate about in our lives.