Spiritual gifts are abilities the Holy Spirit gives every believer to build up the church and point people to Jesus. When you were born naturally, you were given natural talents. When you were born again spiritually, you were given spiritual gifts.
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace" (1 Peter 4:10 ESV). Notice the word each. You're not left out.
The Bible lists gifts in a few places:
Romans 12: gifts like serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership and mercy.
1 Corinthians 12: the gifts of the Spirit, like wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues and interpretation. The Spirit gives these "to each one individually as he wills" (1 Corinthians 12:11 ESV).
Ephesians 4: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, given to "equip the saints for the work of ministry" (Ephesians 4:12 ESV).
Scripture also shows gifts like administration, craftsmanship, hospitality, intercession and music. If you're the person who notices the room is a mess and starts cleaning before anyone asks, that might be your gift of helps showing up.
You might be thinking, "How do I know which ones I have?" Your gifts are one piece of your purpose puzzle. Look at three things:
Gift: what you contribute. What do people say you're good at? Where do you see God use you?
Passion: where you contribute. What do you love? Who do you care about? What would you do for free?
Platform: how you contribute. Someone with the gift of evangelism might share Jesus one-on-one or from a stage. Same gift, different platform.
But here's the key: your gifts require steps of faith to activate. You won't operate in healing unless you step out and ask if you can pray for someone. You won't operate in administration unless you join a team. You won't operate in encouragement unless you open your mouth.
And check your motives. Mixing gifts with pride is a recipe for disaster. In Acts 8, Simon the sorcerer tried to buy the power he saw Peter use, and Peter told him his heart wasn't right before God. So ask yourself: before I serve, do I position myself to be seen? After, do I position myself to be celebrated?
Paul told Timothy, "Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you" (2 Timothy 1:6 ESV). My design is a gift from God; what I do with it is my gift back to Him. So what team will you join? What step will you take?
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10–11; Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, 28; Ephesians 4:11–16; Ephesians 2:10; Acts 8:18–23; 2 Timothy 1:6–7