Many scholars today have studied the various listings of spiritual gifts. Their conclusions as to an exact number have varied. Not because the Bible is unclear, but because it is hard for us to be clear on how gifts “mix.” A mix of gifts is what is found in an individual’s life when he or she displays, by God’s grace, a combination of abilities, in different ways, to different degrees and at different times.
It is obvious why this “differing” happens. It reflects the unique work of our Creator in fashioning each one of us. It may also reveal the difference in the growth of each individual learning to apply or exercise his or her gifts.
One category of gifts is much easier to recognize, and they are equally easy to respond to, when we learn of them and open ourselves to these gifts being expressed through us. They are the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit found in 1 Cor. 12:8–10, and they are a distinct domain of His administration and distribution (1 Cor. 12:11).
Wouldn’t it be a joy to become an instrument under the Holy Spirit’s power, to be a “delivery agent” for one of His gifts to someone in need this Christmas!
