Question:  Dear Greg,

            Recently I was asked (as part of a men’s study group) “what are spiritual gifts”?

            The most concise answer I have come up with is that they are “tools” God has given to his church for its edification and growth.  What, if anything, would you add?

            Regards,

            Ed

Answer:  Dear Ed,

            Good concise answer.  In the interest of brevity, and of biblical foundation, I would then refer to 1 Corinthians 12—not merely verses 1-11, but the entire chapter (placing gifts within the “body life” of the church).  If the conversation or discussion becomes divisive, continue to read and refer to Paul’s context, the powerful statement on love in chapter 13.  Then note his treatment of prophecy and tongues--two gifts that can and do divide and cause problems within the body (at least as those gifts are subjectively claimed by individuals.  By that I mean that the gifts are not divisive, but individuals who either have been given that gift or claim to have been given that gift can be.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht