SG-02
One of the questions that we received regarding the spiritual gifts was having a conflict in the church while exercising these spiritual gifts. We might have witnessed the conflict that had happened or might be witnessing it in your church as you’re reading this.
As we mentioned before spiritual gifts were given to individuals for the edification, reprove and uplifting of the church, but many times people who exercise these gifts gradually move from humility to a level of spiritual pride. Spiritual pride makes them want to look at others with condemnation as they think of themselves as better than the others but this is pure contradiction to the word of God.
The one who is exercising the spiritual gift is a servant of the Lord. And many things that these spiritual gifts cannot be mixed or mingled together for the growth of the church.
I recently attended a meeting, and a Pastor preached that the ministry of a pastor and the ministry of a prophet cannot go together. But as we read the Bible, the spiritual gifts are given to the members of the church, which means, as we read in Romans 12, the members are a part of the church-the body of Christ, and every member has their roles, purpose and duties in the church. Verse four says, “As we have many members in one body, and all members do not have the same office.” Also, in First Corinthians 12:21 to 27, we can see how to exercise the spiritual gifts as well.
The church, over the centuries, has made its guidelines and regulations (away from the scriptures) that some spiritual gifts are more important than others, and this has injected an attitude of superiority complex in many who exercise these spiritual gifts. So a top-down correction and unlearning must happen within the church to avoid conflicts while exercising the spiritual gifts. Also, there must be people to correct the ones who exploit their spiritual gift to show or to make themselves great in the eyes of others, because this is spiritual pride, and pride could lead to destruction.
Following explaining about the spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 13, Paul speaks about love, and as he concludes chapter 13, he says the greatest of these is love, which means if love departs while exercising the spiritual gifts, then it could lead to conflicts, destruction and harm in the body of Christ.
So, the spiritual gifts must be exercised with love (agape love)- a love that comforts, encourages, without conditions and supports the community as a whole. Always remember that we all are one in Christ and we must consider others better than yours.
