7 Motivational Gifts
Romans 12:6-8
“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
1. Each person is given one motive gift with the faith to develop and use the gift.
2. These seven gifts together show the Body of Christ – Jesus had all seven.
3. We all have the ability to move in all these areas, but one is more outstanding than the others in our lives.
| Prophecy – Those with the motivational gift of prophecy are the “seers” or “eyes” of the body that encourages, exhorts and comforts people. They have insight, foresight, and act like watch dogs in the church. They warn of sin or reveal sin; brings people to accountability; reveals inner heart motivations; brings inner conviction; brings awareness of God’s presence; makes people fall to their knees in repentance and humility. This motive gift involves restoring and repairing within the Body of Christ. They are usually very verbal and may come across as judgmental and impersonal; they are loyal to truth over friendship, serious, dedicated. (See John the Baptist in Luke 3:3-20) |
| Ministering/Serving/Helps – Those with the motivational gift of serving are the “hands” of the body. They are concerned with meeting practical needs; demonstrates love in deeds and not words; sees what needs to be done; they are highly motivated; doers. They may tend to over commit, but find joy in serving and meeting short-term goals. They can appear to be pushy, when trying to meet needs. They try to work to receive others’ love. (See Martha in Luke 10:38-42, John 12:2) |
| Teaching – Those with the motivational gift of teaching are the “mind” of the body. They realize their gift is foundational; they emphasize accuracy of words and love to study; they delight in research to validate truth; presenting of truth in systematic sequence; avoidance of illustrations from non-Bible source; resistance to Scriptural illustrations out of context; validating of new information by established systems of truth. (See Paul in the New Testament) |
| Exhortation/Encouragement – Those with the motivational gift of encouragement are the “mouth” of the body. Like cheerleaders, they encourage other believers and are motivated by a desire to see people grow and mature in the Lord. This motive gift is used to stimulate the faith of others in the Body of Christ. They are practical and positive and they seek positive responses. (See Barnabas in Acts 9:27, 14:22 15:39) |
| Giving – Those with the motivational gift of giving are the “arms” of the body. They truly enjoy reaching out in giving. They are excited by the prospect of blessing others; they desire to give quietly, in secret, but will also motivate others to give. This motive gift has been placed in the body, not only to give, but to motivate others to do the same. They are alert to people’s needs; they give cheerfully and always give the best that they can. (See Abraham in Gen. 13:2,9-10, 14:20, Luke 3:11, Rom. 1:11) |
| Administration/Leadership – Those with the motivational gift of leadership are the “head” of the body. They have the ability to see the overall picture and set long-term goals; they are good organizers and find efficient ways of getting work done. This motive gift deals with keeping things moving in an orderly fashion. Although they may not seek leadership, they will assume it when no leader is available. They receive fulfillment when others come together to complete a task. (See Nehemiah in Nehemiah) |
| Mercy – Those with the motivational gift of mercy are the “heart” of the body. They easily sense the joy or distress in other people and are sensitive to feelings and needs. Mercy is a very loving and personal motive gift. This gift causes the people who have it to really empathize and minister mercy to others. They are attracted to and patient with people in need, motivated by a desire to see people healed of hurts. They are truly meek in nature and avoid firmness. (See Good Samaritan in Luke 10:33-35) |