Spiritual gifts is the gift of the holy spirit. St Paul said, it is the holy spirit of that dwells in man and makes him acknowledge Jesus as lord. If the holy spirit is absent in a man, he will not acknowledge Jesus as lord. There are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit and there are varieties of services by the same lord and varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in everyone.
Types of gift
1.) The ulterance of wisdom
2.) The ulterance of knowledge
3.) Faith
4.) Gift of healing
5.) Gift of prophecy
6.) Gift of working miracles
7.) The gift to distinguish between spirit
8.) The gift to speak in tongues
9.) The gift to interpret tongues
Paul said these gift are inspired by the same spirit, who apportions them to individuals as he will but the manifestation of the gifts in the individual are for the common good of the body of Christ (the church).
Paul likened this gifts to the human body with different functions playing important role for the good of the entire bodi. St Paul further stated that God created different part of the body and arranged them to be mutually independent and necessary for the existence of the entire body.
Some parts which seems to be weaker and indispensable and those considered less honourable are invested with greater honour and the unpresented are treated with greater modesty. Which our presentable parts do not require. God created the body so that there would be no discord if one member suffers, all suffer together, if one is honoured, all rejoice together in the same way in the body of Christ(the church).
God has appointed apostle's, prophets, teachers, worker's of miracles, healers, administrators and speakers in various kinds of tongues. All must use their gifts to the glory of God and for the growth of the church. Since we have been baptized in Christ the church should also behave as one united church. There should be no discrimination of people contribution in the overall good of the church. No members should feel proud of his talents. There should be no racial discrimination in the church.
Functions of spiritual gifts to the church:
1.) They are meant for the good of the entire church community.
2.) They are to promote good relationship among Christians in the community of faith.
3.) It makes the church to remain united.
4.) They are given to the church to glorify the name of God.