IMPARTING SOME SPIRITUAL GIFT

A Response to "Imparting Some Spiritual Gift"

The Apostolic Longing

The apostle Paul expressed a deep, heartfelt longing to visit the believers in Rome. This was not a casual wish or a passing thought; it was a burning desire rooted in his love for the body of Christ and his understanding of the importance of spiritual impartation. He wrote in Romans 1:11 that he longed to see them so that he could impart to them some spiritual gift that would help their church grow strong in the Lord. Paul understood that the Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. It is meant to be shared, built up, and strengthened through the mutual encouragement and spiritual gifting that flows between believers. He did not view his ministry as a one-way street; he also acknowledged that he needed their help and would be encouraged by their faith. Each of them would be a blessing to the other. This is the heart of genuine Christian fellowship—a mutual exchange of spiritual gifts that builds up the body of Christ.

The Purpose of Impartation

Paul's desire to impart some spiritual gift was not about showing off his own spiritual stature or establishing his authority. It was about strengthening the church. The impartation of spiritual gifts is not a performance; it is an act of service. It is not about the giver; it is about the growth of the body. Paul wanted the believers in Rome to be established, strengthened, and equipped for the work of ministry. He understood that the gifts of the Spirit are given for the common good, not for personal glory. When we impart spiritual gifts to others, we are participating in God's work of building His church. We are helping others discover and operate in the gifts God has placed within them. And in doing so, we are contributing to the health and growth of the body of Christ.

The Nine Spiritual Gifts

The apostle Paul lists nine spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. To one person, the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice. To someone else, the gift of studying and teaching. To another, special faith. To another, the power to heal the sick. To some, the power to do miracles. To others, the power to prophesy and preach. To someone else, the power to know whether evil spirits are speaking. To another, the ability to speak in languages they never learned. And to others, the power to understand what is being said in those languages. These are not natural talents or learned skills; they are supernatural gifts given by the Holy Spirit to equip believers for ministry. They are not given for personal exaltation but for the building up of the church. Every believer has at least one of these gifts, and every believer is called to use their gift for the benefit of others.

Dare to Impart

When an individual comes to you for prayer, do you dare to impart some spiritual gift to that person? This is a question that challenges us to move beyond polite, generic prayers into the realm of genuine spiritual impartation. It is easy to pray a safe, general prayer and send someone on their way. But it takes faith, sensitivity, and courage to pray specifically for the release of a spiritual gift in another person's life. Do you dare to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what gift that person needs? Do you dare to pray for the gift of wisdom, the gift of healing, the gift of prophecy, or the gift of faith to be activated in their life? Do you dare to believe that God wants to use you as a channel of His grace to impart something supernatural to the person standing before you? This is not presumption; it is faith. It is not arrogance; it is obedience. It is recognizing that the Holy Spirit dwells in you and desires to work through you to bless others.

The Mutual Blessing

Paul understood that impartation is not a one-way transaction. He longed to impart spiritual gifts to the Romans, but he also acknowledged that he needed their help and would be encouraged by their faith. Each of them would be a blessing to the other. This is a beautiful picture of the body of Christ functioning in health and vitality. We are not islands; we are interconnected. We need each other. We receive from each other. We impart to each other. The gifts we have are not just for our own benefit; they are for the benefit of the whole body. When we impart to others, we are also blessed. When we receive from others, we are strengthened. The exchange of spiritual gifts is a cycle of mutual edification that builds up the church and glorifies God.

The Spirit's Distribution

The Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts according to His will. He does not give the same gift to everyone, nor does He give all gifts to one person. He gives to each one individually as He wills. This means that we are not to compare our gifts with others or envy what someone else has received. We are to faithfully steward what we have been given and use it to serve others. It also means that we are to recognize and honor the gifts in others, encouraging them to use their gifts for the building up of the body. When we come together, each person bringing their unique gift, the body is built up, and the church grows strong in the Lord.

The Call to Step Out

Do you dare to impart some spiritual gift to the person who comes to you for prayer? This is not a question for the spiritually elite; it is a question for every believer. You have been given a gift. You have been entrusted with a measure of the Spirit's power. And you have been placed in the body of Christ to serve others. When someone comes to you for prayer, step out in faith. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what they need. Pray boldly for the release of a specific gift in their life. Trust that God wants to work through you. And watch as the body of Christ is strengthened, encouraged, and built up.

Final Reflection

Imparting spiritual gifts is not a special privilege reserved for apostles and prophets; it is a responsibility and an opportunity for every believer. When we pray for others, we are not just offering words; we are releasing the power of the Holy Spirit. We are participating in God's work of building His church. So do not be afraid. Do not hold back. Step out in faith. Pray with boldness. Impart what you have received. And trust that God will use you to bless others and to strengthen His body.

Prayer for Impartation

Lord, give me the boldness to impart spiritual gifts to those who come to me for prayer. Help me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and to pray with faith and confidence. Let the gifts You have given me be a blessing to others and a source of strength for the body of Christ. I do not want to hold back; I want to be a channel of Your grace. Use me to build up Your church and to bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.