¶ … spiritual gifts that are presented in Romans 12 These are: Prophecy, ministering (helps), teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling, mercy. By illustration of quotes from relevant passage so the Bible this paper shows how each Gift is used by God for a particular purpose within one of his servants and followers. The Seven Non-Miraculous Gifts

God in his almighty wisdom has given those who follow and believe in him and therefore being blessed with the Holy Spirit, seven gifts discussed in Romans: 12 6-8,. These gifts are prophecy, ministering (helping others), teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling and, mercy. In looking at these seven gifts in turn we will discuss how these gifts work and how they affect those who use these gifts.

The seven gifts of Roman's 12 are known as the non-miraculous spiritual gifts, they are given by Gods grace to all Christians yet no one Christian will receive all seven gifts as stated by Paul in his letter to the Romans. The purpose of the gifts is to benefit those who have been created by God, in this sense that are not just for Christians to show Christians but also to show to non-Christians, in this way there is a better chance of bringing people to Christ.

God has given us these gifts and through the work of his Holy Spirit which provides the help we need to develop and use the special gifts. These gifts are not chosen by the individual but by God and the Holy Spirit, they may take many years to manifest themselves and they may also be sporadic. Once the gift has been recognized, then it will grow within the person however it will need the help of the person to become manageable. It is not something that can be switched on and off.

When a person receives a gift it does not meant that they have been called to a certain office or to carry out a particular mission. For example if a person discovers that they have the gift of prophecy they should not give up their normal day job in order to carry out a prophetic role.

God gives us these gifts for those outside the church collective, his aim in providing these gifts is to reach all works of society and not just those who have opened their hearts to him. For example a person may have the every day employment of an accountant, lawyer or teacher or even a mother. God takes this person and gives them the gifts they need for his purposes for example ministering to the poor and needy, or being a youth group leader in the church.

The Bible says that with Prophecy there must be a pursuit of love and the desire for spiritual gifts that will allow a person to Prophecy. Many of those within the ministry or evangelical aspect of the church are gifted with prophecy, the ability to preach the word of God. However, even with this gift they will have different abilities. For example the Pastor will be gifted to speak to the small community of his church, whereas the Evangelist will be given the strength to speak to the whole world.

It can be seen that the gift of Prophecy is an important power that is a major aspect of the other gifts. When we think of the word Prophecy and any one who prophesises we think of those that can tell fortunes or see into the future. Yet there is more to this mere word, for a Prophet is given the right to speak God's word with his power. In the Old Testament the prophets told of the coming of the Christ and in their own way brought a new hope to the people of Israel. However, in the New Testament they spoke of Jesus Christ, their words are the words of God as are the words of the modern day prophets who point the way to Jesus Christ.

The gift of ministering or serving and helping has been known as helping your brethren in what ever time of need. This is further stated in the as "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

Of those that have been given this gift we can see that they are able to make good use of all sources and resources that are at hand in order to accomplish their deeds and goals. These tasks are normally carried out in order to help others in whatever capacity it is needed.

This will include carrying out tasks in and around the church. Furthermore those that serve the church are more willing to take orders and enjoy carrying them out as long as others may benefit from the help.
Also those who have been given this gift will also make very good hosts. They open their house to others and provide a warm welcome for any person in need of a roof or good warm meal. When this is carried out the joy they feel to their spirit in helping others they know that the Lord is pleased with them and their reward is the love of their Father.

When we look at the gift of Teaching we look to the words seen in the Bible "For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church."

The role of a teacher is a very special gift, there is a saying that states "those that can do and those that cannot teach" however, God has given many the gift to both do and teach, for the role of a teacher is a difficult task at best. The gift of communication by way of teaching relevant information within the church and those of its community takes patience, knowledge and great skill. The community must learn from the teachers words and understand them also they must know how to apply them to their own situations and respon to any words or guidance given.

Exhortation is one gift of the Holy Spirit where it brings members of the church close together in times of need. The Bible states "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."

This gift brings comfort and consolation along with prayer and encouragement to those who need it from those who have been given the gift. In many ways those who have this gift are very good counsellors and listeners and make very good spiritual healers as they listen with God's ear and speak with God's healing words.

The fifth Gift we shall discuss is the gift of giving, it is a rare and special gift that allows others to contribute and give freely unlike any other person. Many Christians are gifted with this gift and care nothing when giving away part of their home, material goods or financial goods to a worthy cause. The Bible says "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Leadership "He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect." This is a special gift that brings forth those members of the church and empower them with the ability to lead others, this may take the form of various fields such as ministry, guiding, helping or teaching. They have little personal care for their own being or growth their major concern is that of others. many will find that they have a charismatic charm that allows others to follow when undertaking an important task, they also have a way of delegation that provides other with a better confidence in themselves.

Mercy "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." This is the final of the non-miraculous gifts. It is provided that by the Holy Spirit man can genuinely feel the mercy of the Lord and apply that to others through compassion and empathy in many sufferers.

Those who have this gift are compassionate to those around them who are suffering from physical and mental illness they also take great joy in helping those around them. And pay particular attention when ministering to the needy.

All Christians have been given a gift from the Holy Spirit, we have seen just seven of these known as…