MOTIVATIONAL GIFT DEFINITIONS

Romans 12:4-8 (NKJV) For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

// MERCY GIFT //

STRENGTHS:

• Special sensitivity to emotional needs.

• Sensitivity for the feelings of people, which expresses tenderness, kindness, and compassion.

• Generally likes to avoid actions that will hurt the feelings of others, including discipline and administrative decisions.

WEAKNESSES:

• May become too emotionally involved and lose objectivity in helping others.

• Can become closed in spirit to those who are not sensitive to others.

• Tends to avoid stress-producing situations and firmness, unless absolutely convinced it is necessary.

• There is a danger of emotional involvement in helping those of the opposite sex.

// TEACHING //

STRENGTHS:

• Likes to present the truth systematically.

• Enjoys the world of books and ideas

WEAKNESSES:

• May become more interested in factual details than the practical application of truth.

• May enjoy personal research more than teaching others.

• May become proud of their learning and knowledge

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// PROPHECY //

STRENGTHS:

• The gift of “sanctified criticism.”

• Great ability to verbalize truth and to feel what God feels and see things from God’s viewpoint.

• Quick to discern dishonest character and motives.

• Speaks frankly, even to friends, without considering the consequences.

WEAKNESSES:

• May have little sensitivity to the feelings of others

• May appear judgmental.

• Is more concerned with righteousness than with people.

// GIVING //

STRENGTHS:

• Usually desires to give anonymously and at the Lord’s prompting.

• Usually thrifty and a good financial manager, thus has more to give away than others.

WEAKNESSES:

• May become cause-oriented rather than people-oriented.

• Tends to judge those who are poor financial managers.

• Sometimes forgets to confirm giving with a spouse.

// EXHORTING //

STRENGTHS:

• Seeks to teach the practical applications of scripture, often in a person-to-person setting.

• Serves as “God’s cheerleader” in the church.

• Desires to create harmony in the church.

WEAKNESSES:

• Maybe success-oriented and thus neglect people with deeper, more complex needs.

• May tend to oversimplify complex issues.

// SERVING //

STRENGTHS:

• Ability to recall the personal likes and dislikes of others.

• Likes to give things made with their own hands.

• Enjoys short-range “now” projects.

• Volunteers readily for even menial tasks.

WEAKNESSES:

• May disregard personal needs, stamina, family, and personal funds in serving others.

• Finds it difficult to say no.

• May prefer to work alone rather than with others.

// ADMINISTRATION //

STRENGTHS:

• Ability to see overall goals and objectives and the steps needed to reach those goals..

• Enjoys seeing all the parts in the project come together.

• Enjoys delegating responsibility and taking leadership when none exists

WEAKNESSES:

• Maybe task-oriented rather than people-oriented.

• Willingness to endure reaction in meeting the goal may appear as insensitivity.

• May appear to use people.

• May be weak in listening skills.