You and Others in the Realm of Spirituality

A Closer Look At You and Your Gifts

Everyone has something to offer another human being. There are countless ways that the people in our family, personal, or work lives can benefit from us as givers of joy, comfort, or growth. Often, we use our developed skills or natural talents to help or enrich others. But, did you know that you have gifts to offer others that have a longer lasting or even eternal impact? We also have spiritual gifts.

Who Gets Them? Are “Spiritual Gifts” Based on a Particular Belief System or Religion?

Spiritual Gifts are available to everyone. Although rooted in Christian theology[1], the term “Spiritual Gifts” has meaning in most religions and even includes belief systems that don’t acknowledge a god but recognize that human beings have a part of themselves that goes deeper than what can be measured or touched or logically figured out.

What Are Spiritual Gifts?

Spiritual gifts (also known as supernatural gifts) work together with natural talents or skills to accomplish a good that builds the spiritual advancement of people, healing and restoration, and enhance the beauty of creation.

What's The Difference between my Skills or Talents and my Spiritual Gifts?

A skill or talent is a result of a combination of genetics (some have natural ability in music, art, or mathematics) and surroundings (growing up in a musical family will aid one in developing a talent for music). Talents may be self-serving and/or used to bring success to the individual with the talent and may be used for multiple purposes.

A spiritual gift is spiritually empowered and cannot be inherited from our parents. We can only use it for good purposes and for others, and not our own needs or for bringing about harm or carrying out an evil act. Recognizing and using our spiritual gifts will activate a spiritual relationship that grows in power and purity as the relationship grows.

Examples of distinctions between a spiritual gift and a talent or skill:

One could use a natural talent but not a spiritual gift of writing to write hate literature, or use the gift of administration to run a drug cartel.

What Are Some Examples of Spiritual Gifts?

There are an amazing variety of spiritual gifts. Some examples include service, teaching, writing, leadership, administration, craftsmanship, music, prophecy, wisdom, knowledge, giving, helps, healing, hospitality, humor, discernment, faith, encouragement, pastoring, mercy, and many more....

How Can I Know When I am Using A Spiritual Gift?

There are three basic signs to look for-

ØAn unmistakable inner experience of peace, joy, and energy when you are using the gift

ØUnusually effective and successful results in what you are trying to accomplish

ØOther people’s direct or indirect recognition of the gift’s presence

Remember, a spiritual gift is supernatural, focused outward, received, and lasting. If you'd like to receive more information on spiritual gifts or receive a free inventory, send an e-mail to: office@casasanjuan.org

1.“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone”. 1Corinthians 12; 4-6

Casa San Juan and Social Justice Action

What Are The Most Important Things to Know as a Consumer? What Should You Know about Fair Practices in Housing and the Workplace?

Casa San Juan Center will host a presentation on Consumer and Civil Rights on Saturday, 2/6/10 at 12:00 noon. The presenter will be Ernie Lujan, who is a volunteer for the Arizona Attorney General's office.

Casa San Juan Center

St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Parish Hall

602 W. Ajo Way

Tucson, AZ 85713

520 798-0834