Care must be exercised when we learn about the gifts of the Spirit in operation. A false balance concerning the gifts can result in “false advertising” with the result being frustration and questioning, “Why didn’t I get the baptism?” Saints, post-Pentecost records give examples of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the exercising of the gifts giving, administration, and helps.
The listings and purposes for spiritual gifts are found in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-10, and Ephesians 4:11-13. These gifts come from above and are equally supernatural. To say that one gift is “the gift” is wrong. We do not know whether Barnabas spoke in tongues or not, but he certainly had the gifts of helps and giving, and he indeed used his gifts for the glory of his Lord.
If you are a child of God then there is within you a gift, and probably more than one gift of the Spirit. How do you “discover” and manifest your gift(s)? Simple. By cultivating a personal walk with Jesus Christ., and living a life of prayer; through the study and meditation of God’s Word, and unconditional obedience to His commandments. The overflow of this “abiding” will be the operation of your gift(s), and it will be supernaturally “natural”.
Get acquainted with Jesus. Listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Walk by faith, not by sight. Keep pure. Above all, be motivated by an intense love for Jesus because without that, your gift is worthless.
