Strengths & Weaknesses – How to Know Your God-Given Gifts

Sharing is caring!

When was the last time you assessed your strengths and weaknesses?

It’s easy for us to fall into routines that are so busy they don’t allow time for self-evaluation. We spend our days hurriedly fulfilling expectations and end up surviving with our weaknesses rather than thriving through our strengths.

But we have God-given gifts. Strengths and abilities the Lord has given us to help us accomplish His purposes in His church and beyond.

Paul wrote…

 In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.

Romans 12:6

The LAB Notes add…

“Our role is to be faithful and to seek ways to serve others with what Christ has given us.”

So, here’s a list of ways to learn our God-given gifts by taking a look at our strengths and weaknesses.

A List of Strengths and God-Given Gifts

♥ If God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. (Romans 12:6b)

The gift of prophecy is sharing God’s messages of truth with people. Do you love studying Scripture and sharing what you’ve learned?

You may have the gift of prophecy.

Maybe you are more of a listener than a sharer. That’s okay, you may be gifted to offer acts of service…

♥ If your gift is serving others, serve them well. (Romans 12:7a)

Do you love helping others? Is doing Acts of Kindness your love language? Are you the first to offer to cook a meal or drive a friend to an appointment?

It sounds like serving others may be one of your God-given gifts.

No. You may be gifted to teach…

♥ If you are a teacher, teach well. (Romans 12:7b)

I was the child who lined up her dolls and taught them to “read.” I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a teacher. I loved public speaking and doing my best to make learning fun. I also have a passion for knowing and communicating the truth.

Can you relate? You could have a heart for teaching, too. Little ones, in between, or adults … God may have given you what you need to help people learn.

Or…

♥ If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. (Romans 12:8a)

I believe everyone can be an “encourager.” The LAB Notes describe the gift of encouragement as being someone who motivates. Do you love cheering on your friends? Comforting them when life is hard? Inspiring them toward success?

I believe everyone can do those things, but God gives some the gift of enthusiastic encouragement on steroids. Maybe that’s you!

It’s also true that everyone can be giving, but some have the gift…

♥ If it is giving, give generously. (Romans 12:8b)

Givers are generous with their resources, time, and abilities. They love sharing. And when their gift is received with joy, it’s a heart-enriching blessing. Do you spend every shopping trip looking for gifts for friends and family? Do you love helping others, or just sitting with a friend in need?

You may have the gift of generous giving.

If that’s not you, think about your ability to be detailed, organized, and outgoing…

♥ If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. (Romans 12:8c)

Are you someone who has a plan as soon as you hear about a need? When you host a gathering, are things planned down to the tiniest detail? Do friends call you first to help organize a committee, a dinner, or a small group, etc?

It’s not uncommon for others to see the gift of leadership in you before you recognize it in yourself. If you love creating a plan and getting a team together to help, you may have the God-given gift of leadership.

And finally…

♥ And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Again, kindness is something we all should have, but those who have the gift show an extra amount of empathy and caring compassion. People with this gift are gracious and gentle. They listen well and help freely.

You may have seen yourself in several of the gifts above, or maybe you weren’t sure about any of them.

That’s okay, keep assessing your strengths and weaknesses. There are many online Spiritual Gifts tests like this one at Lifeway.

Let’s pray…

A Prayer to Know Your Strengths, Weaknesses,
and God-Given Gifts

Father God, You made us to love and serve one another in community. In our families, our neighborhoods, and churches. And it would never work if we were all created to do exactly the same thing.

Yes, we are all created to love and serve, but in different ways. I believe it fulfills us and gives us joy to use our God-given gifts for Your glory. Please help me know and understand my strengths and weaknesses.

I’m guilty of ignoring or excusing my weaknesses and wasting my strengths on things that are unnecessary and unimportant. Please forgive me. I want to trust You to guide me according to Your plans and purposes. And use the gifts You’ve given me to serve You and bless the people around me.

May I always remember that every gift is important. We are to work together using our strengths to balance each other’s weaknesses. No gift is greater because all are needed. That’s caring for each other in love with humility as You designed.

Please, may Your Spirit guide me to know and use my gifts well. Help me joyfully use my strengths, and willingly allow others to use theirs. Please help me use my gifts as You desire, giving others the freedom to do the same.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

The LAB Notes add this important note…

“Realize that your gifts can’t do the work of the church all alone. Be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weaknesses, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies.”

Take a few minutes to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. Look at the list of God-given gifts and pray about the way God wants you to use yours.

I love this encouraging quote…

“Your greatest fulfillment in life will come when you discover your unique gifts and abilities and use them to edify others and glorify the LORD.” ~ Neil T. Anderson

May the Lord bless you as you serve His family for His glory.

We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here…

and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.

Never Miss an Update

Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thanks again for visiting! Don’t forget to check out the links below to find additional posts that will bless you…

Sharing is caring!